How to pronounce exquisite
Say it like EK-skwuh-zut. Exquisite 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 exquisite. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EK
- skwuh
- zut
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Exquisite 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.
- skwuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- zutKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of exquisite
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 2.
British respelling: ik-SKWIZ-it.
What does exquisite mean?
- intense or sharp“suffered exquisite pain”“felt exquisite pleasure”
- lavishly elegant and refined
- delicately beautiful“a dainty teacup”“an exquisite cameo”
Where does exquisite come from?
From Latin exquīsītus (“to be outsought”), perfect passive participle of exquīrō (“to outseek”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying exquisite
How do you pronounce exquisite?
Say EK-skwuh-zut. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛkskwəzət/. In British English it is /ɪkˈskwɪzɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in exquisite?
Exquisite has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EK). Broken into parts: EK · skwuh · zut.
Is exquisite pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 2. The British form is /ɪkˈskwɪzɪt/ (ik-SKWIZ-it).