How to pronounce rectilinear
Say it like rek-tih-LIN-ee-er. Rectilinear has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rectilinear. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rek
- tih
- LIN
- ee
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rectilinear pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rekGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- LINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of rectilinear
- American English uses 5 syllables and British English 4.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: rek-tih-LIN-eer.
What does rectilinear mean?
- In a straight line.“The crankshaft and connecting rods of an engine convert the rectilinear motion of the pistons to rotary motion of the flywheel.”
- Formed from straight lines.
Where does rectilinear come from?
From post-Classical Latin; either from rectilīneāris or from rectilīneus (whence rectiline) + -ar, in both cases ultimately deriving from rectus (“straight”) + līnea (“line”).
Words that rhyme with rectilinear
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rectilinear.
Questions about saying rectilinear
How do you pronounce rectilinear?
Say rek-tih-LIN-ee-er. The American pronunciation is /ˌrɛktɪˈlɪniɚ/. In British English it is /ˌrɛktɪˈlɪnɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rectilinear?
Rectilinear has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LIN). Broken into parts: rek · tih · LIN · ee · er.
Is rectilinear pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 5 syllables and British English 4. The British form is /ˌrɛktɪˈlɪnɪə/ (rek-tih-LIN-eer).