How to pronounce rictus
Say it like RIK-tus. Rictus has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RIK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rictus. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RIK
- tus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rictus pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RIKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of rictus
American and British speakers say rictus in essentially the same way: /ˈrɪktəs/ in the US and /ˈrɪktəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: RIK-tus.
What does rictus mean?
- A bird’s gaping mouth.
- The throat of a calyx.
- Any open-mouthed expression.“His face was a rictus of sheer delight.”
Where does rictus come from?
Learned borrowing from Latin rictus.
Questions about saying rictus
How do you pronounce rictus?
Say RIK-tus. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɪktəs/. In British English it is /ˈrɪktəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rictus?
Rictus has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RIK). Broken into parts: RIK · tus.
Do Americans and Brits say rictus the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɪktəs/ and the British form is /ˈrɪktəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.