How do you pronounce "hysterical"?

In American English: /hɪˈstɛrɪkəl/ (hi-STEHR-ik-uhl). In British English: /hɪstˈɛɹɪkəl/ (hist-EHR-ik-uhl). In Canadian English: /hɪˈstɛrɪkəl/ (hi-STEHR-ik-uhl). In Australian English: /hɪstˈɛɹɪkəl/ (hist-EHR-ik-uhl).

Is "hysterical" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /hɪˈstɛrɪkəl/ (hi-STEHR-ik-uhl), while in British English it's /hɪstˈɛɹɪkəl/ (hist-EHR-ik-uhl).

How to Pronounce "hysterical"

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hysterical

regional

/hɪˈstɛrɪkəl/

hi-STEHR-ik-uhl

Syllable Breakdown

hɪhys·stɛrter·ɪki·əlcal

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14