How to pronounce secular
Say it like SEK-yuh-ler. Secular has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce secular. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEK
- yuh
- ler
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Secular 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.
- yuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of secular
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SEK-yuu-luh.
What does secular mean?
- someone who is not a clergyman or a professional person
- of or relating to the doctrine that rejects religion and religious considerations
- characteristic of or devoted to the temporal world as opposed to the spiritual world“worldly goods and advancement”“temporal possessions of the church”
- not concerned with or devoted to religion“sacred and profane music”“secular drama”
Where does secular come from?
From Middle English seculer, from Old French seculer, from Latin saeculāris (“of the age”), from saeculum.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with secular
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of secular.
Questions about saying secular
How do you pronounce secular?
Say SEK-yuh-ler. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛkjəlɚ/. In British English it is /ˈsɛkjʊlə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in secular?
Secular has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEK). Broken into parts: SEK · yuh · ler.
Is secular pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈsɛkjʊlə/ (SEK-yuu-luh).