How to pronounce nictitate
Say it like NIK-tih-tayt. Nictitate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NIK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nictitate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NIK
- tih
- tayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nictitate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NIKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- taytKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of nictitate
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: NIK-tih-tayt.
What does nictitate mean?
- to wink or blink
Where does nictitate come from?
Back-formation from nictitating.
Questions about saying nictitate
How do you pronounce nictitate?
Say NIK-tih-tayt. The American pronunciation is /ˈnɪktɪteɪt/. In British English it is /ˈnɪktɪteɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nictitate?
Nictitate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NIK). Broken into parts: NIK · tih · tayt.
Is nictitate 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 /ˈnɪktɪteɪt/ (NIK-tih-tayt).