How to pronounce catharsis
Catharsis is a powerful Greek word that has made its way into the English language. Derived from the Greek κάθαρσις, which means “cleansing” or “purification,” catharsis is used to describe a profound emotional release or purification. This term is often associated with the therapeutic effect of art and literature, where an intense and cathartic experience can evoke deep emotions and provide a sense of relief.
But how exactly do you pronounce “catharsis”?
The correct pronunciation is kə-THAR-sis, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The first syllable, “kə,” is a schwa sound, which is similar to the sound of the “a” in “about.” The second syllable, “THAR,” is pronounced like the word “tar,” with the “th” sound voiced. And the final syllable, “sis,” is pronounced like the word “sis” without the “i” sound.
It’s important to note that “catharsis” is sometimes mispronounced as “kath-AR-sis” or “ka-THAR-sis.” However, these variants are not correct and diverge from the authentic pronunciation.
So, the next time you engage in an emotionally charged discussion about the power of catharsis or recommend a cathartic book or movie to a friend, you can confidently pronounce the word “catharsis” correctly, emphasizing its true meaning and the cathartic experiences it can offer!