How to pronounce ethical
Say it like ETH-ih-kul. Ethical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ETH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ethical. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ETH
- ih
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ethical pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ETHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of ethical
American and British speakers say ethical in essentially the same way: /ˈɛθɪkəl/ in the US and /ˈɛθɪkəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: ETH-ih-kul.
What does ethical mean?
- of or relating to the philosophical study of ethics“ethical codes”“ethical theories”
- conforming to accepted standards of social or professional behavior“an ethical lawyer”“ethical medical practice”
- adhering to ethical and moral principles“it seems ethical and right”“followed the only honorable course of action”
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying ethical
How do you pronounce ethical?
Say ETH-ih-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛθɪkəl/. In British English it is /ˈɛθɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ethical?
Ethical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ETH). Broken into parts: ETH · ih · kul.
Do Americans and Brits say ethical the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɛθɪkəl/ and the British form is /ˈɛθɪkəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.