How to pronounce reflex
Say it like REE-fleks. Reflex has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce reflex. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- REE
- fleks
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reflex pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- REESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- fleksKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of reflex
American and British speakers say reflex in essentially the same way: /ˈriflɛks/ in the US and /ˈriːflɛks/ in the UK.
British respelling: REE-fleks.
What does reflex mean?
- An automatic response to a simple stimulus which does not require mental processing.
- The descendant of an earlier language element, such as a word or phoneme, in a daughter language.
- The ancestor word corresponding to a descendant.
- Bent, turned back or reflected.
- Produced automatically by a stimulus.
- Having greater than 180 degrees but less than 360 degrees.
- To bend back or turn back over itself.
- To respond to a stimulus.
Where does reflex come from?
From Late Latin reflexus, past participle of reflectere (“to bend back”), equivalent to re- + flex.
Questions about saying reflex
How do you pronounce reflex?
Say REE-fleks. The American pronunciation is /ˈriflɛks/. In British English it is /ˈriːflɛks/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reflex?
Reflex has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REE). Broken into parts: REE · fleks.
Do Americans and Brits say reflex the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈriflɛks/ and the British form is /ˈriːflɛks/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.