How to pronounce dictum
Say it like DIK-tum. Dictum has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce dictum. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DIK
- tum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dictum pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DIKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of dictum
American and British speakers say dictum in essentially the same way: /ˈdɪktəm/ in the US and /ˈdɪktəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: DIK-tum.
What does dictum mean?
- An authoritative statement; a dogmatic saying; a maxim, an apothegm.
- A judicial opinion expressed by judges on points that do not necessarily arise in the case, and are not involved in it.
- The report of a judgment made by one of the judges who has given it.
Where does dictum come from?
From Latin dictum (“proverb, maxim”), from dictus (“having been said”), perfect passive participle of dico (“to say”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with dictum
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of dictum.
Questions about saying dictum
How do you pronounce dictum?
Say DIK-tum. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɪktəm/. In British English it is /ˈdɪktəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dictum?
Dictum has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIK). Broken into parts: DIK · tum.
Do Americans and Brits say dictum the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɪktəm/ and the British form is /ˈdɪktəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.