How to pronounce respectively
Say it like rih-SPEK-tiv-lee. Respectively 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 respectively. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- SPEK
- tiv
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Respectively 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.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of respectively
American and British speakers say respectively in essentially the same way: /rɪˈspɛktɪvli/ in the US and /rɪˈspɛktɪvli/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-SPEK-tiv-lee.
What does respectively mean?
- in the order given“the brothers were called Felix and Max, respectively”
Where does respectively come from?
From respective + -ly.
Words that rhyme with respectively
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of respectively.
Questions about saying respectively
How do you pronounce respectively?
Say rih-SPEK-tiv-lee. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈspɛktɪvli/. In British English it is /rɪˈspɛktɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in respectively?
Respectively has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEK). Broken into parts: rih · SPEK · tiv · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say respectively the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈspɛktɪvli/ and the British form is /rɪˈspɛktɪvli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.