How to pronounce except
Say it like ik-SEPT. Except has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEPT).
- ik
- SEPT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Except pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SEPTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of except
American and British speakers say except in essentially the same way: /ɪkˈsɛpt/ in the US and /ɪkˈsɛpt/ in the UK.
British respelling: ik-SEPT.
What does except mean?
- To exclude; to specify as being an exception.“I find most people annoying, present company excepted, of course!”
- To take exception, to object (to or against).“to except to a witness or his testimony”
- Used to introduce an exception or qualification to something previously stated.“There was nothing in the cupboard except a tin of beans.”
- Used to introduce a clause, phrase, verb infinitive, adverb or other non-noun complement forming an exception or qualification to something previously stated.“You look a bit like my sister, except (that) she has longer hair.”
- Loosely, used to introduce a contrastive statement explaining why something wasn't successful, didn't happen, etc.“They fired tear gas at us, except the wind was blowing the wrong way.”
Where does except come from?
Borrowed from Middle French excepter, from Latin exceptus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with except
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of except.
Questions about saying except
How do you pronounce except?
Say ik-SEPT. The American pronunciation is /ɪkˈsɛpt/. In British English it is /ɪkˈsɛpt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in except?
Except has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEPT). Broken into parts: ik · SEPT.
Do Americans and Brits say except the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪkˈsɛpt/ and the British form is /ɪkˈsɛpt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.