How to pronounce relic
Say it like REL-ik. Relic has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce relic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- REL
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Relic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of relic
American and British speakers say relic in essentially the same way: /ˈrɛlɪk/ in the US and /ˈrɛlɪk/ in the UK.
British respelling: REL-ik.
What does relic mean?
- That which remains; that which is left after loss or decay; a remaining portion.
- Something old and outdated, possibly kept for sentimental reasons.
- A part of the body of a saint, or an ancient religious object, kept for veneration.
- To cause (an object) to appear old or worn, to distress.
- Pertaining to the Big Bang.
Where does relic come from?
From Middle English relik et al., from Old French relique, from Latin reliquiae (“remains, relics”), from relinquō (“to leave behind, abandon, relinquish”), from re- + linquō (“to leave, quit, forsake, depart from”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with relic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of relic.
Questions about saying relic
How do you pronounce relic?
Say REL-ik. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɛlɪk/. In British English it is /ˈrɛlɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in relic?
Relic has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REL). Broken into parts: REL · ik.
Do Americans and Brits say relic the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɛlɪk/ and the British form is /ˈrɛlɪk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.