How to pronounce "spectacular"

spectacular

Sports & Recreation
American
/spɛkˈtækjələr/

Syllable Breakdown

spek tac u lar

How natives say spectacular

British
/spɛkˈtækjʊlər/

Syllable Breakdown

spek tac u lar

How natives say spectacular

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'spek', stress on the 's' and 'p'.

  • Say 'tac' with the middle of your tongue up.

  • Finish with 'u-lar', the 'u' is pronounced like in 'put'.

Common Mistakes

  • spe-ta-cular (spe-tac-u-lar)

  • spec-ti-cular (spek-tac-u-lar)

  • spec-tac-u-lor (spek-tac-u-lar)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Begin with 'spek', ensuring clarity on 'sp'.

  • Articulate 'tac' with a crisp 't'.

  • End with 'u-lar', with 'u' as in 'book'.

common mistakes

  • spe-ta-cular (spe-tac-u-lar)

  • spec-ti-cular (spek-tac-u-lar)

  • spec-tac-u-lor (spek-tac-u-lar)

FAQ

Where is the stress in 'spectacular'?

On the second syllable 'tac'.

How many syllables does 'spectacular' have?

It has four syllables.

How to pronounce 'tac' in 'spectacular'?

Say 'tac' like 'tack', with a clear 't'.

Definition

spectacular

Amazing or impressive to see.

Word Family

spectacle

/ˈspɛktəkl/

noun

A visually striking display.

Example: The parade was a spectacle.

spectator

/ˈspɛkteɪtər/

noun

A person who watches an event.

Example: There were many spectators at the game.

inspect

/ɪnˈspɛkt/

verb

To look at closely.

Example: She will inspect the equipment.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Spectacular vs. spectacle

- Main difference is the ending '-ular' vs '-acle'.

Spectacular vs. spectator

- 'Spectator' has '-ator' instead of '-acular'.

Spectacular vs. inspect

- Different prefix, 'spect-' in 'spectacular' vs 'in-' in 'inspect'.

Pro Tips

Focus on the stressed syllable

Make sure to emphasize 'tac' to pronounce clearly.

Watch the 'u' sound

In American English, pronounce it like in 'put'; in British English, like in 'book'.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Spectacular

adventure

/ədˈvɛntʃər/

amateur

/ˈæm.ə.tʃɚ/

appeal

/əˈpil/

appreciate

/əˈpriʃiˌeɪt/

athlete

/ˈæθ.liːt/

ball

/bɔl/

basin

/ˈbeɪ.sən/

basket

/ˈbæskɪt/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

adjoin

abroad

ability

agenda