How to pronounce spectacular
Say it like spek-TAK-yuh-ler. Spectacular has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce spectacular. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- spek
- TAK
- yuh
- ler
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Spectacular pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- spekKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- TAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- 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 spectacular
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: spek-TAK-yuu-luh.
What does spectacular mean?
- sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect“a dramatic sunset”“a dramatic pause”
- characteristic of spectacles or drama“spectacular dives from the cliff”
- having a quality that thrusts itself into attention“an outstanding fact of our time is that nations poisoned by anti semitism proved less fortunate in regard to their own freedom”“a new theory is the most prominent feature of the book”
- a lavishly produced performance“they put on a Christmas spectacular”
Where does spectacular come from?
From Latin spectaculum (“a sight, show”) + -ar.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with spectacular
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of spectacular.
Questions about saying spectacular
How do you pronounce spectacular?
Say spek-TAK-yuh-ler. The American pronunciation is /spɛkˈtækjəlɚ/. In British English it is /spɛkˈtækjʊlə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in spectacular?
Spectacular has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAK). Broken into parts: spek · TAK · yuh · ler.
Is spectacular 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 /spɛkˈtækjʊlə/ (spek-TAK-yuu-luh).