How to pronounce ridicule
Say it like RID-uh-kyool. Ridicule has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RID).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ridicule. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RID
- uh
- kyool
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ridicule pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RIDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- kyoolGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of ridicule
American and British speakers say ridicule in essentially the same way: /ˈrɪdəˌkjul/ in the US and /ˈrɪdəˌkjuːl/ in the UK.
British respelling: RID-uh-kyool.
What does ridicule mean?
- Derision; mocking or humiliating words or behavior.
- An object of sport or laughter; a laughing stock.
- The quality of being ridiculous; ridiculousness.
- To criticize or disapprove of someone or something through scornful jocularity; to make fun of.“His older sibling constantly ridiculed him with sarcastic remarks.”
Where does ridicule come from?
The verb is from the noun or else from French ridiculer, from ridicule.
Questions about saying ridicule
How do you pronounce ridicule?
Say RID-uh-kyool. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɪdəˌkjul/. In British English it is /ˈrɪdəˌkjuːl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ridicule?
Ridicule has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RID). Broken into parts: RID · uh · kyool.
Do Americans and Brits say ridicule the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɪdəˌkjul/ and the British form is /ˈrɪdəˌkjuːl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.