How to pronounce rectitude
Say it like REK-tuh-tood. Rectitude has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rectitude. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- REK
- tuh
- tood
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rectitude pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- REKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- toodKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of rectitude
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: REK-tih-tyood.
What does rectitude mean?
- Straightness; the state or quality of having a constant direction and not being crooked or bent.
- Conformity to the rules prescribed for moral conduct; (moral) uprightness, virtue.
Where does rectitude come from?
From Middle English rectitude, from Middle French rectitude, from Late Latin rectitūdō (“straightness, uprightness”), from Latin rectus (“straight”), perfect passive participle of regō (“regulate, guide”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying rectitude
How do you pronounce rectitude?
Say REK-tuh-tood. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɛktətud/. In British English it is /ˈrɛktɪtjuːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rectitude?
Rectitude has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REK). Broken into parts: REK · tuh · tood.
Is rectitude pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /ˈrɛktɪtjuːd/ (REK-tih-tyood).