# How to pronounce arch-nemesis

By [English Tips](https://paragraph.com/@english-tips) · 2022-07-15

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The antique prefix _arch-_ comes up in words like _arch-nemesis_, _archenemy_, _archbishop_ etc. It means something like “highest” or “supreme”.

✔️ In all these words **it’s pronounced with a “ch” sound (like in cheese).**

> 💡 IPA: /ɑɹt͡ʃ/

Audio on Forvo: [https://forvo.com/word/arch-nemesis/#en](https://forvo.com/word/arch-nemesis/#en)

Unrelated in meaning, but pronounced also with a “ch”, is the word _arch_ and its derivatives like _overarching_. [Forvo](https://forvo.com/word/overarching/#en)

Words that are pronounced with “k”
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However, more often than not, “ch” in words of Ancient Greek origin is pronounced like “k”: e.g. _architecture, archeology, archaic, Plutarch_, _monarchy_.

But not the _arch_ prefix! That one is always pronounced “ch”.

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Arch photo by [Ulvi Safari](https://unsplash.com/@ulvisafar?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/greek-arch?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText)

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*Originally published on [English Tips](https://paragraph.com/@english-tips/how-to-pronounce-arch-nemesis)*