How to pronounce erratic
Say it like ih-RAT-ik. Erratic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce erratic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ih
- RAT
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Erratic 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.
- RATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of erratic
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: ih-RAT-ik.
What does erratic mean?
- Unsteady, random; prone to unexpected changes; not consistent.“Henry has been getting erratic scores on his tests: 40% last week, but 98% this week.”
- Deviating from normal opinions or actions; eccentric; odd.“erratic conduct”
- A rock moved from one location to another, usually by a glacier.
- Anything that has erratic characteristics.
Where does erratic come from?
From Middle English erratik, from Middle French erratique (from Old French erratique) and its etymon Classical Latin errāticus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with erratic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of erratic.
Questions about saying erratic
How do you pronounce erratic?
Say ih-RAT-ik. The American pronunciation is /ɪˈrætɪk/. In British English it is /ɪˈrætɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in erratic?
Erratic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RAT). Broken into parts: ih · RAT · ik.
Is erratic 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 /ɪˈrætɪk/ (ih-RAT-ik).