How to pronounce expedient
Say it like ik-SPEE-dee-unt. Expedient has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce expedient. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ik
- SPEE
- dee
- unt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Expedient 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.
- SPEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- deeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- untKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of expedient
American and British speakers say expedient in essentially the same way: /ɪkˈspidiənt/ in the US and /ɪkˈspiːdiənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: ik-SPEE-dee-unt.
What does expedient mean?
- Suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended.“Most people, faced with a decision, will choose the most expedient option.”
- Affording short-term benefit, often at the expense of the long-term.
- Governed by self-interest, often short-term self-interest.
- A method or means for achieving a particular result, especially when direct or efficient; a resource.
Where does expedient come from?
From Middle English expedient, from Old French expedient, from Latin expediens (stem expedient-), present participle of expedire (“to bring forward, to dispatch, to expedite; impers.
Words that rhyme with expedient
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of expedient.
Questions about saying expedient
How do you pronounce expedient?
Say ik-SPEE-dee-unt. The American pronunciation is /ɪkˈspidiənt/. In British English it is /ɪkˈspiːdiənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in expedient?
Expedient has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEE). Broken into parts: ik · SPEE · dee · unt.
Do Americans and Brits say expedient the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪkˈspidiənt/ and the British form is /ɪkˈspiːdiənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.