How to pronounce circuitous
Say it like ser-KYOO-uh-tus. Circuitous has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KYOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce circuitous. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ser
- KYOO
- uh
- tus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Circuitous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- serKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- KYOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of circuitous
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: sur-KYOO-ih-tus.
What does circuitous mean?
- Not direct or to the point.
- Being a long and winding route.
Where does circuitous come from?
First attested in 1664.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with circuitous
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of circuitous.
Questions about saying circuitous
How do you pronounce circuitous?
Say ser-KYOO-uh-tus. The American pronunciation is /sɚˈkjuətəs/. In British English it is /sɜːˈkjuːɪtəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in circuitous?
Circuitous has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KYOO). Broken into parts: ser · KYOO · uh · tus.
Is circuitous pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /sɜːˈkjuːɪtəs/ (sur-KYOO-ih-tus).