TEYE-pist
/ˈtaɪpɪst/
typist is pronounced TEYE-pist (/ˈtaɪpɪst/). A typist is a person who types text on a keyboard, typically as part of data entry or transcription work. The term denotes someone skilled at producing accurate, fast keystrokes, often with attention to formatting and speed. In professional contexts, a typist may specialize in office administration, legal or medical transcription, or proofreading support roles.
A typist is a person who types text on a keyboard, typically as part of data entry or transcription work. The term denotes someone skilled at producing accurate, fast keystrokes, often with attention to formatting and speed. In professional contexts, a typist may specialize in office administration, legal or medical transcription, or proofreading support roles.
"The company hired a skilled typist to transcribe hours of meeting notes."
"She’s a fast typist, typing at over 80 words per minute with high accuracy."
"As a data entry clerk, he works as a typist who ensures records are correctly formatted."
Typist is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈtaɪ.pɪst/. The first syllable rhymes with “side,” and the second syllable starts with a short, lax /ɪ/ as in “sit.” The final /st/ is a clear cluster; keep the tongue at the alveolar ridge for the /t/ and /s/ sequence. You’ll want a crisp /t/ release followed immediately by /ɪ/ and the /st/ cluster. Audio references like reputable dictionaries can provide native pronunciations in context.
Common errors include misplacing the stress (sometimes saying /ˈtaɪ.pɪst/ with weak initial emphasis) and a mispronounced middle vowel; speakers may treat /ɪ/ as /iː/ or misarticulate the /t/ and /s/ sequence. Focus on a short /ɪ/ in the second syllable, not a longer /iː/ sound, and ensure a clean, rapid transition from /p/ to /ɪst/ without an intrusive vowel. Practicing with minimal pairs can fix the /t/–/p/–/s/ transitions and the final consonant cluster.
In US, UK, and AU accents, the initial /taɪ/ is consistent, but rhoticity affects the trailing vowel and /r/ in connected speech. The word itself is non-rhotic in careful UK speech (no /r/), while US and many AU varieties may have a linking /r/ only in certain dialects. Vowel quality can vary slightly: the /ɪ/ in the second syllable may be more lax in some UK accents. Overall, the primary differences are in linking, vowel duration, and the presence or absence of postvocalic /r/ in connected speech.
Typist presents a cluster /pɪst/ after the stressed /taɪ/; many learners mispronounce /p/ or insert an extra vowel between /t/ and /p/ or /ɪ/. The /t/ release should be brief and followed immediately by /ɪ/ and the /st/ cluster; novices often voice the /t/ too long or add a schwa. Mastery requires precise timing: stop consonants, short vowel in the second syllable, and crisp /st/. Visualize the mouth positioning and practice with speed drills to reduce hesitation.
The most unique feature is the rapid /t/ to /p/ to /ɪ/ transition canceled by a strong /st/ cluster. A precise bilabial /p/ immediately followed by an alveolar /ɪ/ and /st/ can be challenging; avoid voicing the /t/ or inserting extra vowels. Focus on a clean alveolar stop release, then a high-front lax /ɪ/ and a tightly held /st/ cluster, without an audible vowel between /t/ and /p/.
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The word typist comes from the noun type, which in turn derives from the Greek typos via Latin typus, meaning a blow, impression, or model. The suffix -ist denotes a person who performs a specific action. The earliest English usage of typist appears in the early 20th century, aligning with the expansion of typewriter technology and the rise of office clerical work. As typewriters became standard, the role of individuals who operated them and produced typed documents evolved, with typist used to describe those who specialized in producing professional-quality typed text. Over time, the word shifted from general typemaking to a more defined occupational title, eventually coexisting with related terms like stenographer and transcriptionist. Today, typist often implies speed and accuracy on a keyboard, sometimes with emphasis on typing-based data entry rather than transcribing audio. Historically, the term reflects a transitional period in office work where mechanical input devices shaped new labor categories, and it remains a recognizable label in many administrative environments even as digital keyboards and software have changed workflows.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "typist" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "typist"
-ist sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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