How to pronounce skeptical
Say it like SKEP-tuh-kul. Skeptical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKEP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce skeptical. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SKEP
- tuh
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Skeptical pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKEPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of skeptical
American and British speakers say skeptical in essentially the same way: /ˈskɛptəkəl/ in the US and /ˈskɛptəkəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: SKEP-tuh-kul.
What does skeptical mean?
- denying or questioning the tenets of especially a religion“a skeptical approach to the nature of miracles”
- marked by or given to doubt“a skeptical attitude”“a skeptical listener”
Where does skeptical come from?
From Latin skepticus + -al; attested earlier than skeptic.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- sceptical
Words that rhyme with skeptical
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of skeptical.
Questions about saying skeptical
How do you pronounce skeptical?
Say SKEP-tuh-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˈskɛptəkəl/. In British English it is /ˈskɛptəkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in skeptical?
Skeptical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKEP). Broken into parts: SKEP · tuh · kul.
Do Americans and Brits say skeptical the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈskɛptəkəl/ and the British form is /ˈskɛptəkəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.