How to pronounce circumspect
Say it like SUR-kum-spekt. Circumspect has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce circumspect. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUR
- kum
- spekt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Circumspect pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- kumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- spektKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of circumspect
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SUR-kum-spekt.
What does circumspect mean?
- Carefully aware of all circumstances; considerate of all that is pertinent.“Being aware of the danger of upsetting her audience, she was somewhat circumspect in her comments.”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying circumspect
How do you pronounce circumspect?
Say SUR-kum-spekt. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɝkəmspɛkt/. In British English it is /ˈsɜːkəmspɛkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in circumspect?
Circumspect has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR). Broken into parts: SUR · kum · spekt.
Is circumspect 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 /ˈsɜːkəmspɛkt/ (SUR-kum-spekt).