How to pronounce precise
Say it like prih-SYCE. Precise has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SYCE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce precise. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- prih
- SYCE
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Precise pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- prihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SYCESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of precise
American and British speakers say precise in essentially the same way: /prɪˈsaɪs/ in the US and /prɪˈsaɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: prih-SYCE.
What does precise mean?
- sharply exact or accurate or delimited“a precise mind”“specified a precise amount”
- (of ideas, images, representations, expressions) characterized by perfect conformity to fact or truth; strictly correct“a precise image”“a precise measurement”
Where does precise come from?
From Middle French précis, from Latin praecīsus, perfect passive participle of praecīdere, from prae- (“before, in front”) + caedere (“cut; strike”), cognate with hit.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with precise
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of precise.
Questions about saying precise
How do you pronounce precise?
Say prih-SYCE. The American pronunciation is /prɪˈsaɪs/. In British English it is /prɪˈsaɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in precise?
Precise has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SYCE). Broken into parts: prih · SYCE.
Do Americans and Brits say precise the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /prɪˈsaɪs/ and the British form is /prɪˈsaɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.