Technique refers to a specific method or skillful way of performing a task, especially in arts, sports, or science. It denotes the systematic, practiced sequence of actions that achieves a precise result, often requiring specialized knowledge or training. The term emphasizes efficiency, accuracy, and mastery in execution.
"Her painting technique blends realism with impressionistic brushstrokes."
"The gymnast refined her technique to improve balance and control."
"The surgeon’s meticulous technique reduced the risk of complications."
"In photography, lighting technique can dramatically alter mood and texture."
Technique comes from the late Latin technicus, from Greek tekhnikos meaning ‘of art, skill, or craft,’ which in turn derives from tekhnē meaning ‘art, craft, skill, method.’ The term entered English through French and Medieval Latin in the 17th century to denote systematic arts and crafts knowledge. Initially tied to the crafts and arts sectors, it broadened to scientific and practical methods as fields professionalized. By the 18th and 19th centuries, technique referred to a prescribed way of performing tasks, often with a connotation of refinement and precision. In modern usage, it encompasses both a person’s distinctive method (technique) and the prescribed procedures within a discipline (techniques). The word’s evolution mirrors the growth of specialized training, from hands-on craft to formalized study across domains such as music, medicine, martial arts, and sports. First known uses appear in academic and artistic contexts where mastery and repeatable methods were valued, and today it is common in both everyday language and professional discourse.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Technique" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Technique" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Technique" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Technique"
-que sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
Pronounce as /tɛˈniːk/ in US and UK English, with emphasis on the second syllable. Start with a short ‘teh’ sound /tɛ/, then make a long ‘neek’ /niːk/ as in ‘need’ but ending with a velar nasal-like release. Tip: keep the lips relaxed for the initial /t/ and pull the tongue blade to the alveolar ridge for /tɛn/ before the long /iː/ vowel and final /k/. Audio reference: You can compare pronunciations on Pronounce or YouGlish by searching ‘technique.’ Keywords: technique pronunciation, how to say technique.
Common mistakes include overemphasizing the first syllable, giving too-short a /niː/ rather than a clear long /iː/ and final /k/ being under-articulated or silent. Another error is misplacing the stress, saying te-CH-nique instead of te-NEEK. Correct by practicing the syllable break te-NEEK and ensuring the final /k/ is a crisp, aspirated closing stop. Use minimal pairs with similar patterns to tune duration and stress.
Across accents, the main differences are vowel quality and rhotics. US and UK share /tɛˈniːk/, but US vowels may be slightly flatter; AU tends toward a pressed /ɛ/ with a slightly shorter /iː/. Rhoticity is minimal in non-rhotic British varieties; the /r/ is not pronounced, affecting adjacent vowels slightly. Overall, the core stress pattern remains te-NEEK, with small vowel shifts and consonant crispness per locale.
The difficulty lies in the two-tone stress pattern and the long /iː/ in the second syllable, which demands a precise tongue position and duration. The /t/ onset followed by a stop closure before a long vowel can be tricky in rapid speech, and final /k/ often becomes a glottal stop or is devoiced in connected speech. Mastery requires careful timing and muscle memory of the alveolar stop and vowel length.
Technique has a straightforward syllable structure te-ch-nique, with no silent letters. The potential trick is the ‘ni’ sequence where the /n/ adjoins the long /iː/ vowel; ensure you don’t reduce the /iː/ into a shorter /i/. Maintain clear syllable separation even in fast speech to preserve the long vowel and crisp /k/ at the end.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Technique"!
No related words found
See how this word is used in our articles
