How to pronounce spectrum
Say it like SPEK-trum. Spectrum has two 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 spectrum. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SPEK
- trum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Spectrum 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.
- trumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of spectrum
American and British speakers say spectrum in essentially the same way: /ˈspɛktrəm/ in the US and /ˈspɛktrəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: SPEK-trum.
What does spectrum mean?
- an ordered array of the components of an emission or wave
- a broad range of related objects or values or qualities or ideas or activities
Where does spectrum come from?
From Latin spectrum (“appearance, image, apparition”), from speciō (“look at, view”).
Questions about saying spectrum
How do you pronounce spectrum?
Say SPEK-trum. The American pronunciation is /ˈspɛktrəm/. In British English it is /ˈspɛktrəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in spectrum?
Spectrum has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPEK). Broken into parts: SPEK · trum.
Do Americans and Brits say spectrum the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈspɛktrəm/ and the British form is /ˈspɛktrəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.