How to pronounce second
Say it like SEK-und. Second has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEK).
- SEK
- und
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Second pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- undKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of second
American and British speakers say second in essentially the same way: /ˈsɛkənd/ in the US and /ˈsɛkənd/ in the UK.
British respelling: SEK-und.
What does second mean?
- Number-two; following after the first one with nothing between them. The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number two.“He lives on Second Street.”
- Next to the first in value, power, excellence, dignity, or rank; secondary; subordinate; inferior.“His job is second priority, because his family is the most important thing in his life.”
- Being of the same kind as one that has preceded; another.“Residents of Texas prepared for Hurricane Harvey, which would in some ways turn out to become the second Hurricane Katrina.”
- After the first; at the second rank.“Saturn is the second largest planet in the solar system.”
- After the first occurrence but before the third.“He is batting second today.”
- Something that is number two in a series.
- Something that is next in rank, quality, precedence, position, status, or authority.
- The place that is next below or after first in a race or contest.
Where does second come from?
From Middle English secunde, second, secound, secund, borrowed from Old French second, seond, from Latin secundus (“following, next in order”), from root of sequor (“to follow”), from Proto-Indo-European *sekʷ- (“to follow”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying second
How do you pronounce second?
Say SEK-und. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛkənd/. In British English it is /ˈsɛkənd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in second?
Second has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEK). Broken into parts: SEK · und.
Do Americans and Brits say second the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɛkənd/ and the British form is /ˈsɛkənd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.