How to pronounce literacy
Say it like LIT-uh-ruh-see. Literacy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce literacy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LIT
- uh
- ruh
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Literacy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of literacy
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: LIT-uh-ruh-see.
What does literacy mean?
- the ability to read and write
Where does literacy come from?
From liter(ate) + -acy.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying literacy
How do you pronounce literacy?
Say LIT-uh-ruh-see. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɪtərəsi/. In British English it is /ˈlɪtərəsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in literacy?
Literacy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIT). Broken into parts: LIT · uh · ruh · see.
Is literacy 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 /ˈlɪtərəsi/ (LIT-uh-ruh-see).