How to pronounce heretical
Say it like huh-RET-ih-kul. Heretical has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce heretical. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- huh
- RET
- ih
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Heretical pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- huhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of heretical
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: huh-RET-ih-kul.
What does heretical mean?
- Of or pertaining to heresy or heretics.
- Contrary to mainstream or accepted opinion.
Where does heretical come from?
From Middle English, borrowed from Middle French eretical and from Medieval Latin haereticālis, from haereticus, equivalent to heretic + -al.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with heretical
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of heretical.
Questions about saying heretical
How do you pronounce heretical?
Say huh-RET-ih-kul. The American pronunciation is /həˈrɛtɪkəl/. In British English it is /həˈrɛtɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in heretical?
Heretical has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RET). Broken into parts: huh · RET · ih · kul.
Is heretical pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /həˈrɛtɪkəl/ (huh-RET-ih-kul).