4 syllables: Te, le, ma, chus. Stress on ma.
tel-im-AK-uhs
/tɛlɪˈmækəs/
Telemachus is pronounced tel-im-AK-uhs (/tɛlɪˈmækəs/). It has four syllables (Te-le-ma-chus), with the stress on "ma". Telemachus is a male proper noun of Greek origin, historically the son of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey. It refers to a princely, introspective youth who matures into leadership. The term often appears in classical literature, scholarly discussions, and mythological adaptations, sometimes symbolizing coming-of-age quests and filial duty.
nounTelemachus is a male proper noun of Greek origin, historically the son of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey. It refers to a princely, introspective youth who matures into leadership. The term often appears in classical literature, scholarly discussions, and mythological adaptations, sometimes symbolizing coming-of-age quests and filial duty.
"The elder statesman recounted Telemachus’s journey from infancy to manhood."
"In classical studies, Telemachus is studied as a pivotal character who challenges the suitors."
"Her research cites Telemachus as an archetype of wandering youth seeking identity."
Telemachus is typically pronounced /tɛˈlɛməkəs/ in US English, with three syllables: te-LE-mah-kus. The stress is on the second syllable: la. For UK/US alike, the pronunciation centers on a clear 'teh-LEH-muh-kuss' with the middle syllable carrying primary stress. Begin with /t/ as a released stop, then /ɛ/ as in bet, /ˈlɛm/ as in ‘lem’ followed by /ə/ (schwa) and /kəs/ ending with a soft /s/. Audio reference: you can compare with standard dictionaries or Pronounce resources for hearing the sequence.
Common errors include flattening the middle syllable so it becomes te-LEM-a-kus with destressed second syllable, and misplacing the final /kəs/ as /kəs/ with a harder or stressed ending. Also avoid turning Telemachus into ‘Tee-leh-MATCH-us’ or ‘Teh-LEM-ah-kuss’ with an incorrect vowel in the first syllable. Correct by emphasizing the second syllable and using a short, schwa-like /ə/ in the third position. Practice with minimal pairs and recording to hear the subtle vowel reductions.
In US, /tɛˈlɛməkəs/ with rhotic, flapped or approximant r as part of surrounding words; UK tends to maintain non-rhoticity, producing /tɪˈlɛməkəs/ in some dialects with a slightly higher vowel in the first syllable; Australian often aligns with US rhythm but may have slightly broader vowel sounds and a softer /ə/ in the middle. The main differences are vowel quality and vowel duration, while stress remains on the second syllable. Listen for rhotic vs non-rhotic vowel coloration and the subtle vowel height shifts.
It combines a Greek-origin structure with three syllables and a post-stress schwa, which can be tricky for English speakers who aren’t used to trisyllabic Greek-derived names. The second syllable carries stress, which disrupts typical English trochaic patterns. The final syllable ends with a light /s/, which can be softened in connected speech. The combination of a consonant cluster at the start and the middle vowel quality requires careful articulation and rhythm awareness.
A distinctive feature is the stressed second syllable and the mid-vowel quality in the second syllable /ˈlɛm/ that resembles the common English pronunciation of 'lem' rather than 'lay' or 'leigh.' The final /kəs/ is lightly enunciated rather than strongly stressed, so you should keep the last syllable short and crisp. Focus on a clean schwa /ə/ before the /k/ to avoid an over-strong vowel. Use IPA as a guide and listen to authoritative pronunciations.
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Telemachus derives from Ancient Greek Τηλέμαχος (Tēlémachos). The first element tele- (far, distant) is related to τηλέ (tēleō, to behold, to faren); the second element -machus comes from -mechos, meaning ‘fighter’ or ‘warrior,’ though in the mythic name it is often linked to a notion of struggle or vigor. The name appears in Homer as Telemachus, the son of Odysseus and Penelope, a central figure in the Odyssey’s narrative arc of search and growth. In classical scholarship, Telemachus embodies the theme of a young prince seeking his own place in a world of competing powers, learning governance, diplomacy, and courage. Over time, the name has circulated in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century translation and adaptation, appearing in scholarly texts and modern novels to denote a young person’s coming-of-age journey. The meaning has broadened beyond the hero’s lineage to symbolize youthful quest, moral development, and leadership potential within a challenging environment. In contemporary usage, Telemachus may appear in literary analyses, psychological discussions of maturation, and in creative works, often as a reference to measured growth, resilience, and the responsibilities of rightful leadership.
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Words that rhyme with "Telemachus"
-sis sounds
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