How to pronounce respite
Say it like RES-pit. Respite has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce respite. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RES
- pit
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Respite pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- pitKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of respite
American and British speakers say respite in essentially the same way: /ˈrɛspɪt/ in the US and /ˈrɛspaɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: RES-pyte.
What does respite mean?
- A brief interval of rest or relief.
- A reprieve, especially from a sentence of death.
- The delay of appearance at court granted to a jury beyond the proper term.
- To delay or postpone (an event).
- To allow (a person) extra time to fulfil some obligation.
Where does respite come from?
From Anglo-Norman and Old French respit (“rest”), from Latin respectus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with respite
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of respite.
Questions about saying respite
How do you pronounce respite?
Say RES-pit. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɛspɪt/. In British English it is /ˈrɛspaɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in respite?
Respite has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RES). Broken into parts: RES · pit.
Do Americans and Brits say respite the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɛspɪt/ and the British form is /ˈrɛspaɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.