How to pronounce spectator
Say it like SPEK-tay-ter. Spectator has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce spectator. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SPEK
- tay
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Spectator pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SPEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tayKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of spectator
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: spek-TAY-tuh.
What does spectator mean?
- a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)“the spectators applauded the performance”“television viewers”
- a woman's pump with medium heel; usually in contrasting colors for toe and heel
Where does spectator come from?
Borrowed from Latin spectātor, from frequentative verb spectō (“watch”), from speciō (“look at”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying spectator
How do you pronounce spectator?
Say SPEK-tay-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈspɛkteɪtɚ/. In British English it is /spɛkˈteɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in spectator?
Spectator has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPEK). Broken into parts: SPEK · tay · ter.
Is spectator pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 2. The British form is /spɛkˈteɪtə/ (spek-TAY-tuh).