How to pronounce expecting
Say it like ik-SPEK-ting. Expecting has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEK).
- ik
- SPEK
- ting
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Expecting 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.
- tingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of expecting
American and British speakers say expecting in essentially the same way: /ɪkˈspɛktɪŋ/ in the US and /ɪkˈspɛktɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: ik-SPEK-ting.
What does expecting mean?
- present participle and gerund of expect How to pronounce expect
- Of a woman, female animal, or couple, in expectation of giving birth; pregnant.“The expecting mother is enthusiastic about learning childcare.”
- Expectant.
- The process by which somebody expects something.
Words that rhyme with expecting
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of expecting.
Questions about saying expecting
How do you pronounce expecting?
Say ik-SPEK-ting. The American pronunciation is /ɪkˈspɛktɪŋ/. In British English it is /ɪkˈspɛktɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in expecting?
Expecting has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEK). Broken into parts: ik · SPEK · ting.
Do Americans and Brits say expecting the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪkˈspɛktɪŋ/ and the British form is /ɪkˈspɛktɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.