How to pronounce respectably
Say it like ree-SPEK-tuh-blee. Respectably 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 respectably. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ree
- SPEK
- tuh
- blee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Respectably pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- 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.
- bleeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of respectably
American and British speakers say respectably in essentially the same way: /riˈspɛktəbli/ in the US and /riˈspɛktəbli/ in the UK.
British respelling: ree-SPEK-tuh-blee.
What does respectably mean?
- In a respectable manner; so as to gain respect.“A respectably attired solicitor came to read the will.”
- Moderately; pretty well.
Where does respectably come from?
From respectable + -ly.
Questions about saying respectably
How do you pronounce respectably?
Say ree-SPEK-tuh-blee. The American pronunciation is /riˈspɛktəbli/. In British English it is /riˈspɛktəbli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in respectably?
Respectably has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEK). Broken into parts: ree · SPEK · tuh · blee.
Do Americans and Brits say respectably the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /riˈspɛktəbli/ and the British form is /riˈspɛktəbli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.