How to pronounce flexible
Say it like FLEK-suh-bul. Flexible has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FLEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce flexible. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FLEK
- suh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Flexible pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FLEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of flexible
American and British speakers say flexible in essentially the same way: /ˈflɛksəbəl/ in the US and /ˈflɛksɪbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: FLEK-sih-bul.
What does flexible mean?
- capable of being changed“flexible schedules”
- able to flex; able to bend easily“slim flexible birches”
- able to adjust readily to different conditions“an adaptable person”“a flexible personality”
Where does flexible come from?
From Middle French flexible, from Latin flexibilis, from flectō (“to bend, curve”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying flexible
How do you pronounce flexible?
Say FLEK-suh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˈflɛksəbəl/. In British English it is /ˈflɛksɪbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in flexible?
Flexible has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FLEK). Broken into parts: FLEK · suh · bul.
Do Americans and Brits say flexible the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈflɛksəbəl/ and the British form is /ˈflɛksɪbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.