How to pronounce factor
Say it like FAK-ter. Factor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce factor. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FAK
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Factor pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of factor
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FAK-tuh.
What does factor mean?
- anything that contributes causally to a result“a number of factors determined the outcome”
- an abstract part of something“jealousy was a component of his character”“two constituents of a musical composition are melody and harmony”
- one of two or more integers that can be exactly divided into another integer“what are the 4 factors of 6?”
- resolve into factors“a quantum computer can factor the number 15”
- be a contributing factor“make things factor into a company's profitability”
- consider as relevant when making a decision“You must factor in the recent developments”
Where does factor come from?
Inherited from Middle English factour, from Middle French facteur, Anglo-Norman factour, and their etymon Latin factor (“a doer, maker, performer”), from factus (“done or made”), perfect passive participle of faciō (“do, make”).
Words that rhyme with factor
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of factor.
Questions about saying factor
How do you pronounce factor?
Say FAK-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈfæktɚ/. In British English it is /ˈfæktə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in factor?
Factor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FAK). Broken into parts: FAK · ter.
Is factor pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈfæktə/ (FAK-tuh).