How to pronounce execute
Say it like EK-suh-kyoot. Execute has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce execute. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EK
- suh
- kyoot
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Execute pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- EKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- kyootGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of execute
American and British speakers say execute in essentially the same way: /ˈɛksəˌkjut/ in the US and /ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt/ in the UK.
British respelling: EK-sih-kyoot.
What does execute mean?
- kill as a means of socially sanctioned punishment“In some states, criminals are executed”
- murder in a planned fashion“The Mafioso who collaborated with the police was executed”
- put in effect“carry out a task”“execute the decision of the people”
Where does execute come from?
From Old French executer (French exécuter), from Latin exsecutus, past participle of exsequor (“to follow (up/through)”, particularly in the sense “to go through with a deed or punishment”), from ex- (“out”) + sequor (“to follow”).
Questions about saying execute
How do you pronounce execute?
Say EK-suh-kyoot. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛksəˌkjut/. In British English it is /ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in execute?
Execute has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EK). Broken into parts: EK · suh · kyoot.
Do Americans and Brits say execute the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɛksəˌkjut/ and the British form is /ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.