How to pronounce Herculean
Say it like her-KYOO-lee-un. Herculean has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KYOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Herculean. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- her
- KYOO
- lee
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Herculean pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- herKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- KYOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Herculean
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: huh-KYOO-lee-un.
What does Herculean mean?
- Of extraordinary might, power, size, etc.; suggesting Hercules in size or strength.
- Requiring a huge amount of work; of extraordinary difficulty.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with Herculean
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of Herculean.
Questions about saying Herculean
How do you pronounce Herculean?
Say her-KYOO-lee-un. The American pronunciation is /hɚˈkjuliən/. In British English it is /həˈkjuːliən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Herculean?
Herculean has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KYOO). Broken into parts: her · KYOO · lee · un.
Is Herculean 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 /həˈkjuːliən/ (huh-KYOO-lee-un).