How to pronounce respectable
Say it like rih-SPEK-tuh-bul. Respectable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce respectable. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- SPEK
- tuh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Respectable 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.
- SPEKSay 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.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of respectable
American and British speakers say respectable in essentially the same way: /rɪˈspɛktəbəl/ in the US and /rɪˈspɛktəbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-SPEK-tuh-bul.
What does respectable mean?
- characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals“a respectable woman”
- deserving of esteem and respect“all respectable companies give guarantees”“ruined the family's good name”
- large in amount or extent or degree“it cost a considerable amount”“a goodly amount”
Where does respectable come from?
From respect + -able.
Words that rhyme with respectable
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of respectable.
Questions about saying respectable
How do you pronounce respectable?
Say rih-SPEK-tuh-bul. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈspɛktəbəl/. In British English it is /rɪˈspɛktəbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in respectable?
Respectable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEK). Broken into parts: rih · SPEK · tuh · bul.
Do Americans and Brits say respectable the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈspɛktəbəl/ and the British form is /rɪˈspɛktəbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.