A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Acropolis
Pronounce 'acropolis' like the ancient Greek citadel, with the stress on the second syllable.
acropolis
uh-KROP-uh-lis
/əˈkrɑpəlɪs/ · a · crop · o · lis
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It might also appear in travel guides or documentaries about classical civilization.
Where the word comes from
The word 'acropolis' comes from Ancient Greek, combining 'akros' (highest, topmost) and 'polis' (city). It literally means 'highest city'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- ACK-ruh-puh-lis This mistake happens by putting the stress on the first syllable. Remember, the stress is on the 'KROP' sound.
- uh-kroh-POH-lis This mispronunciation incorrectly stresses the third syllable. The correct stress falls on the second syllable.
Frequently asked
What is the plural of acropolis?
The plural of acropolis is 'acropolises'. It follows the standard English rule for forming plurals of words ending in 's'.
Is acropolis a type of building?
An acropolis is not a specific building, but rather a fortified high point within an ancient Greek city. It often contained temples and important public structures.
What's the most famous acropolis?
The most famous acropolis is undoubtedly the Acropolis of Athens in Greece. It is home to iconic structures like the Parthenon.
