How to pronounce respect
Say it like rih-SPEKT. Respect has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEKT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce respect. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- SPEKT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Respect 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.
- SPEKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of respect
American and British speakers say respect in essentially the same way: /rɪˈspɛkt/ in the US and /rɪˈspɛkt/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-SPEKT.
What does respect mean?
- (usually preceded by in) a detail or point“it differs in that respect”
- the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)“it is held in esteem”“a man who has earned high regard”
- an attitude of admiration or esteem“she lost all respect for him”
- regard highly; think much of“I respect his judgement”“We prize his creativity”
- show respect towards“honor your parents!”
Where does respect come from?
The verb is derived from the noun.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with respect
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of respect.
Questions about saying respect
How do you pronounce respect?
Say rih-SPEKT. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈspɛkt/. In British English it is /rɪˈspɛkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in respect?
Respect has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEKT). Broken into parts: rih · SPEKT.
Do Americans and Brits say respect the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈspɛkt/ and the British form is /rɪˈspɛkt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.