How to pronounce vertical
Say it like VUR-tih-kul. Vertical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vertical. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VUR
- tih
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vertical pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- tihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of vertical
- 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: VUR-tih-kul.
What does vertical mean?
- at right angles to the plane of the horizon or a base line“a vertical camera angle”“the monument consists of two vertical pillars supporting a horizontal slab”
- relating to or involving all stages of a business from production to distribution
- upright in position or posture“an erect stature”“erect flower stalks”
- something that is oriented vertically
- a vertical structural member as a post or stake“the ball sailed between the uprights”
Where does vertical come from?
Borrowed from Middle French vertical, from Late Latin verticālis.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying vertical
How do you pronounce vertical?
Say VUR-tih-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɝtɪkəl/. In British English it is /ˈvɜːtɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vertical?
Vertical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR). Broken into parts: VUR · tih · kul.
Is vertical 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 /ˈvɜːtɪkəl/ (VUR-tih-kul).