How to pronounce alacrity
Say it like uh-LAK-ruh-tee. Alacrity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce alacrity. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- LAK
- ruh
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alacrity pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of alacrity
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: uh-LAK-ruh-tee.
What does alacrity mean?
- Eagerness; liveliness; enthusiasm.
- Promptness; speed.
Where does alacrity come from?
Mid-15th century; from Middle English alacrite, from Latin alacritās, from alacer (“brisk”) + -itās (“-ity”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying alacrity
How do you pronounce alacrity?
Say uh-LAK-ruh-tee. The American pronunciation is /əˈlækrəti/. In British English it is /əˈlækrəti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alacrity?
Alacrity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LAK). Broken into parts: uh · LAK · ruh · tee.
Is alacrity pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /əˈlækrəti/ (uh-LAK-ruh-tee).