How to pronounce specialist
Say it like SPESH-uh-lust. Specialist has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPESH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce specialist. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SPESH
- uh
- lust
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Specialist pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SPESHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lustKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of specialist
American and British speakers say specialist in essentially the same way: /ˈspɛʃələst/ in the US and /ˈspɛʃəlɪst/ in the UK.
British respelling: SPESH-uh-list.
What does specialist mean?
- an expert who is devoted to one occupation or branch of learning
- practices one branch of medicine
Where does specialist come from?
Borrowed from French spécialiste, equivalent to special + -ist.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying specialist
How do you pronounce specialist?
Say SPESH-uh-lust. The American pronunciation is /ˈspɛʃələst/. In British English it is /ˈspɛʃəlɪst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in specialist?
Specialist has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPESH). Broken into parts: SPESH · uh · lust.
Do Americans and Brits say specialist the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈspɛʃələst/ and the British form is /ˈspɛʃəlɪst/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.