The correct pronunciation of 'narcissist' is NAR-suh-sist. This common English word refers to a person who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves.
Breaking Down the Pronunciation
To accurately pronounce 'narcissist', it's helpful to break the word into its three distinct syllables and understand the stress pattern. The primary stress falls on the first syllable.
The word can be effectively broken down into these individual sounds:
- naa
- suh
- sist
Let's look at each part in detail:
Syllable 1: NAR- (naa)
The first syllable, 'nar-', is pronounced naa, similar to the beginning sound of words like "nap" or "car" (in American English). This syllable carries the main stress, making it the loudest and clearest part of the word.
Syllable 2: -CIS- (suh)
The middle syllable, '-cis-', is pronounced suh. The 'i' here often takes on a schwa sound, which is a soft, unstressed vowel sound, similar to the 'a' in "about" or the 'u' in "umbrella."
Syllable 3: -SIST (sist)
The final syllable, '-sist', is pronounced sist, mirroring words like "assist" or "insist." This part of the word is clear but unstressed compared to the first syllable.
Pronunciation Guide Table
Here's a quick reference for the sounds:
| Syllable | Pronunciation | Example Sound |
|---|---|---|
| NAR- | naa | As in naap (or the 'a' in 'car' for many) |
| -CIS- | suh | As in the 'a' in suhccess |
| -SIST | sist | As in assist |
When you put it all together, remember to emphasize the first syllable: NAR-suh-sist. Practicing saying the word slowly, focusing on each sound, can help solidify the correct pronunciation.
