How to pronounce erect
Say it like ih-REKT. Erect has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (REKT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce erect. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ih
- REKT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Erect pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- REKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of erect
American and British speakers say erect in essentially the same way: /ɪˈrɛkt/ in the US and /ɪˈrɛkt/ in the UK.
British respelling: ih-REKT.
What does erect mean?
- construct, build, or erect“Raise a barn”
- cause to rise up
- upright in position or posture“an erect stature”“erect flower stalks”
- of sexual organs; stiff and rigid
Where does erect come from?
From Middle English erect, a borrowing from Latin ērectus (“upright”), past participle of ērigō (“raise, set up”), from ē- (“out”) + regō (“to direct, keep straight, guide”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with erect
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of erect.
Questions about saying erect
How do you pronounce erect?
Say ih-REKT. The American pronunciation is /ɪˈrɛkt/. In British English it is /ɪˈrɛkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in erect?
Erect has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (REKT). Broken into parts: ih · REKT.
Do Americans and Brits say erect the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪˈrɛkt/ and the British form is /ɪˈrɛkt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.