How to pronounce receptionist
Say it like rih-SEP-shuh-nist. Receptionist has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce receptionist. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- SEP
- shuh
- nist
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Receptionist pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SEPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nistKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of receptionist
American and British speakers say receptionist in essentially the same way: /rɪˈsɛpʃənɪst/ in the US and /rɪˈsɛpʃənɪst/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-SEP-shuh-nist.
What does receptionist mean?
- An employee (such as a secretary) who works in reception (receiving visitors and/or calls) for a person or business, especially an office.
- A proponent of receptionism.
Where does receptionist come from?
Recorded since 1901, derived from reception + -ist.
Questions about saying receptionist
How do you pronounce receptionist?
Say rih-SEP-shuh-nist. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈsɛpʃənɪst/. In British English it is /rɪˈsɛpʃənɪst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in receptionist?
Receptionist has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEP). Broken into parts: rih · SEP · shuh · nist.
Do Americans and Brits say receptionist the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈsɛpʃənɪst/ and the British form is /rɪˈsɛpʃənɪst/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.