How to pronounce sacred
Say it like SAY-krud. Sacred has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sacred. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SAY
- krud
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sacred pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- krudKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of sacred
American and British speakers say sacred in essentially the same way: /ˈseɪkrəd/ in the US and /ˈseɪkrɪd/ in the UK.
British respelling: SAY-krid.
What does sacred mean?
- concerned with religion or religious purposes“sacred texts”“sacred rites”
- worthy of respect or dedication“saw motherhood as woman's sacred calling”
- made or declared or believed to be holy; devoted to a deity or some religious ceremony or use“a consecrated church”“the sacred mosque”
Where does sacred come from?
From Middle English sacred, isacred, past participle of sacren, sakeren (“to make holy, hallow”), equivalent to sacre + -ed.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying sacred
How do you pronounce sacred?
Say SAY-krud. The American pronunciation is /ˈseɪkrəd/. In British English it is /ˈseɪkrɪd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sacred?
Sacred has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAY). Broken into parts: SAY · krud.
Do Americans and Brits say sacred the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈseɪkrəd/ and the British form is /ˈseɪkrɪd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.