How to Pronounce Catharsis

To pronounce "catharsis", say CATH-ars-is — 3 syllables, IPA /kəˈθɑːsɪs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

catharsis

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Accent

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3

Syllables

9

Letters

/kəˈθɑːsɪs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “catharsis”

"catharsis" has 3 syllables: cath-ars-is. It rhymes with arsis and narcisse, if that helps it stick.

What does catharsis mean?

noun

  1. A release of emotional tension after an overwhelming vicarious experience, resulting in the purging or purification of the emotions, as through watching a dramatic production (especially a tragedy).
  2. Any release of emotional tension to the same effect, more widely.

Words that rhyme with catharsis

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

arsisnarcissetarsestarsus

Related words

katharsisabreactioncatharizationcathectionpurgationeucatastrophedramatizationpurifying

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "catharsis"?▾

"Catharsis" has 3 syllables: cath · ars · is.

What is the IPA transcription of "catharsis"?▾

The IPA transcription of "catharsis" is /kəˈθɑːsɪs/.

What does "catharsis" mean?▾

Catharsis: A release of emotional tension after an overwhelming vicarious experience, resulting in the purging or purification of the emotions, as through watching a dramatic production (especially a tragedy).

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