How to pronounce expectant
Say it like ik-SPEK-tunt. Expectant has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce expectant. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ik
- SPEK
- tunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Expectant 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.
- SPEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of expectant
American and British speakers say expectant in essentially the same way: /ɪkˈspɛktənt/ in the US and /ɪkˈspɛktənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: ik-SPEK-tunt.
What does expectant mean?
- Marked by expectation.“the expectant hush before the performance”
- Pregnant.“an expectant mother”
- Awaiting the effects of nature, with little active treatment.
- A person who expects or awaits something.
Where does expectant come from?
From Old French expectant, from Latin expectans.
Words that rhyme with expectant
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of expectant.
Questions about saying expectant
How do you pronounce expectant?
Say ik-SPEK-tunt. The American pronunciation is /ɪkˈspɛktənt/. In British English it is /ɪkˈspɛktənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in expectant?
Expectant has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEK). Broken into parts: ik · SPEK · tunt.
Do Americans and Brits say expectant the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪkˈspɛktənt/ and the British form is /ɪkˈspɛktənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.