How to pronounce exact
Say it like ig-ZAKT. Exact has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZAKT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce exact. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ig
- ZAKT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Exact pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- igKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ZAKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of exact
American and British speakers say exact in essentially the same way: /ɪɡˈzækt/ in the US and /ɪɡˈzækt/ in the UK.
British respelling: ig-ZAKT.
What does exact mean?
- marked by strict and particular and complete accordance with fact“an exact mind”“an exact copy”
- (of ideas, images, representations, expressions) characterized by perfect conformity to fact or truth; strictly correct“a precise image”“a precise measurement”
- claim as due or just“The bank demanded payment of the loan”
- take as an undesirable consequence of some event or state of affairs“the accident claimed three lives”“The hard work took its toll on her”
Where does exact come from?
From Latin exāctus (the verb via Middle English exact), perfect passive participle of exigō (“demand, claim as due; measure by a standard, weigh, test”), from ex (“out”) + agō (“drive”).
Words that rhyme with exact
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of exact.
Questions about saying exact
How do you pronounce exact?
Say ig-ZAKT. The American pronunciation is /ɪɡˈzækt/. In British English it is /ɪɡˈzækt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in exact?
Exact has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZAKT). Broken into parts: ig · ZAKT.
Do Americans and Brits say exact the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪɡˈzækt/ and the British form is /ɪɡˈzækt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.