How to pronounce reactionary
Say it like ree-AK-shuh-ner-ee. Reactionary has five 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 reactionary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ree
- AK
- shuh
- ner
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reactionary 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.
- shuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nerGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of reactionary
American and British speakers say reactionary in essentially the same way: /riˈækʃəˌnɛri/ in the US and /riˈækʃənəri/ in the UK.
British respelling: ree-AK-shuh-nuh-ree.
What does reactionary mean?
- One who opposes revolution, wanting to reverse it, favoring a return to a past golden age, often used derogatorily by revolutionaires.
- Extremely conservative; opposing revolution (such as the French Revolution); favoring a return to a "golden age" of the past.
- Of, pertaining to, participating in, or inducing a chemical reaction.
- In reaction to; as a result of.
Where does reactionary come from?
Borrowed from French réactionnaire, equivalent to reaction + -ary.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying reactionary
How do you pronounce reactionary?
Say ree-AK-shuh-ner-ee. The American pronunciation is /riˈækʃəˌnɛri/. In British English it is /riˈækʃənəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reactionary?
Reactionary has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (AK). Broken into parts: ree · AK · shuh · ner · ee.
Do Americans and Brits say reactionary the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /riˈækʃəˌnɛri/ and the British form is /riˈækʃənəri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.