How to Pronounce "epitome"
The correct pronunciation of "epitome" is ih-PIT-uh-mee /ɪˈpɪtəmi/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "EP-i-tome" habit for good.
epitome
/ɪˈpɪtəmi/A perfect example of a quality or type.
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Record yourself saying “epitome” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "EP-i-tome" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying "EP-i-tome" in three syllables, rhyming the end with "home". | ih-PIT-uh-mee /ɪˈpɪtəmi/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | Second syllable (PIT). |
How Do You Pronounce "epitome"?
"epitome" is pronounced ih-PIT-uh-mee /ɪˈpɪtəmi/. The stress is on the second syllable (PIT). As a noun, it means a perfect example of a quality or type.
Four syllables ending in "mee", not "tome". The final "e" is pronounced.
Listen for the stressed syllable and copy its rhythm — getting the stress right matters more than any single sound.
Say "epitome" Step by Step
Break the word down, get the stress right, then blend it back together at normal speed. Repeat each step out loud three times.
Break it into syllables
ih-PIT-uh-mee — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
Second syllable (PIT). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
Four syllables ending in "mee", not "tome". The final "e" is pronounced.
Blend and repeat
Now say "epitome" at normal speed: ih-PIT-uh-mee. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "epitome" (2 Minutes, Out Loud)
Say each drill line aloud, slowly first, then at normal speed. On the last drill, use the mic check at the top of this page to test yourself.
say ability → uh-BIL-uh-tee → ih-PIT-uh-mee
Same four-beat rhythm, stress on the second beat.
ih → PIT → uh → mee: ih-PIT-uh-mee
The final e is spoken — end on 'mee', like 'me'.
NOT EP-i-tome — ih-PIT-uh-mee
Never rhyme the ending with 'home'.
At speed: the epitome of patience
Four beats, PIT loudest, finish on 'mee'.
Why "epitome" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
The ending "-ome" looks like "home" or "dome", so Indian speakers make it silent, but here every letter counts and the last "e" is said.
Tip: Say four beats: ih-PIT-uh-mee, ending like "me".
Hear “epitome” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
She is the epitome of patience.
This design is the epitome of style.
He was the epitome of a gentleman.
Words Related to "epitome"
Related: catastrophe
Ends in a spoken "-fee": kuh-TAS-truh-fee.
Now say it inside a sentence
Getting "epitome" right on its own is the easy part. Pronunciation only sticks in connected speech. Read a passage aloud and get scored on accuracy and pace, word by word — free, no login.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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