How to pronounce prophylactic
Say it like prah-fih-LAK-tik. Prophylactic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce prophylactic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- prah
- fih
- LAK
- tik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Prophylactic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- prahGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- fihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- LAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- tikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of prophylactic
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: prof-uh-LAK-tik.
What does prophylactic mean?
- A medicine which preserves or defends against disease; a preventive.
- A prophylactic condom.
- Any device or mechanism intended to prevent harmful consequences.“The securities laws are a prophylactic against stock fraud.”
- Serving to prevent or protect against an undesired effect, especially disease or pregnancy.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- condom
- preventive
- preventative
Words that rhyme with prophylactic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of prophylactic.
Questions about saying prophylactic
How do you pronounce prophylactic?
Say prah-fih-LAK-tik. The American pronunciation is /ˌprɑfɪˈlæktɪk/. In British English it is /prɒfəˈlæktɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in prophylactic?
Prophylactic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LAK). Broken into parts: prah · fih · LAK · tik.
Is prophylactic pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /prɒfəˈlæktɪk/ (prof-uh-LAK-tik).