How to pronounce reaction
Say it like ree-AK-shun. Reaction has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (AK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce reaction. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ree
- AK
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reaction pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- AKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of reaction
American and British speakers say reaction in essentially the same way: /riˈækʃən/ in the US and /rɪˈækʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-AK-shun.
What does reaction mean?
- (chemistry) a process in which one or more substances are changed into others“there was a chemical reaction of the lime with the ground water”
- an idea evoked by some experience“his reaction to the news was to start planning what to do”
- a bodily process occurring due to the effect of some antecedent stimulus or agent“a bad reaction to the medicine”“his responses have slowed with age”
Where does reaction come from?
Inherited from Middle English reaccion, from Old French reaction, from Latin reāctiō, from the verb reagō, from re- (“again”) + agō (“to act”); more at re-, action; equivalent to react + -ion.
Words that rhyme with reaction
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of reaction.
Questions about saying reaction
How do you pronounce reaction?
Say ree-AK-shun. The American pronunciation is /riˈækʃən/. In British English it is /rɪˈækʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reaction?
Reaction has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (AK). Broken into parts: ree · AK · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say reaction the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /riˈækʃən/ and the British form is /rɪˈækʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.