3 syllables: e, lec, tric. Stress on lec.
/ɪˈlɛk.tɹɪk/
Say it backElectric describes something powered by or producing electricity, or something exciting and dynamic. It conveys a sense of energy, brightness, or intensity, often used to describe systems, devices, or atmospheres that involve electrical energy or a high level of stimulation.
"The city lights flickered as the electric tram moved past."
"She wore an electric blue dress that shone under the spotlight."
"The lecture had an electric crowd, buzzing with questions and ideas."
Pronounce as /ɪˈlɛk.trɪk/. The stress is on the second syllable: e-LEC-tric. Start with a short 'i' as in “sit,” then a clear ‘lec’ with a light droplet of schwa in the second half, and finish with a crisp ‘tric’ where the t is aspirated. IPA guidance: US /ɪˈlɛk.trɪk/, UK/AU follow the same pattern with minor vowel quality differences. Listen for the stress peak on -lec- and a quick, light final -ic. Audio reference: check Cambridge or Oxford dictionaries for speaker recordings.
Two common errors: (1) Misplacing stress, saying e-LEC-tric; ensure stress on the second syllable. (2) Slurring the final -tric to sound like -track or -trick; keep a clean, lightly released final consonant. Correct by practicing the syllables separately: /ɪ/ + /ˈlɛk/ + /trɪk/, then blend with light, unvoiced /t/ at the junction. Also avoid a too-long ‘e’ in the first syllable; keep it short and crisp.
In US English, /ɪˈlɛk.trɪk/ with a lax short i and mid-front vowel in /ɛ/. UK/AU maintain /ɪˈlɛk.trɪk/ but may have a slightly shorter /ɪ/ and crisper /t/. Rhoticity is mostly not a factor here since /t/ is syllable-final; regional vowel quality differences are subtle. AU might show a marginally broader /e/ quality in /ɛ/ and faster vowel transitions in connected speech. Overall, the core pattern remains two syllables with primary stress on the second syllable.
The challenge lies in the trochaic-to-weak-weak pattern: two syllables with a prominent stress on the second syllable, which can surprise learners who expect a first-syllable emphasis. The sequence /l ɛk/ requires a crisp, light consonant release, and the final /trɪk/ cluster demands careful timing to avoid an extra vowel or blending into -trick. Mastery comes from precise vowel height for /ɛ/ and clean /t/ release before /rɪk/.
Focus on the /ˈlɛk/ onset cluster with a clear, crisp /l/ and the following short /ɛ/. The transition from /l/ to /ɛ/ is subtle but important; you should avoid adding an extra vowel. Practice the l-e transition with a light tongue tip and a steady jaw. The final /trɪk/ contains a cluster where the /t/ is released just before /r/, so ensure timing is tight and avoid a vowel insertion before /r/.
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Electric comes from the Latinized form electricus, from electricus meaning 'amber-like' (from electrum, amber) due to Thales of Miletus noticing static electricity from amber. The root is Greek elektron meaning amber. The adjective sense relating to electricity emerged in the late 18th century, with the scientific field of electricity formalizing in the 19th century. Early English usage tied to natural electricity (static charges) and to devices producing electrical power. Over time, electric broadened to metaphorical senses like ‘exciting’ or ‘energized.’ First known use in English traces to the 1730s–1760s in scientific texts describing electrical phenomena, with popularization in the 19th century as electricity became central to technology and everyday life. By the 20th century, electric as a productive descriptor extended to consumer goods (electric appliances), vehicles, and later to figurative language (electric atmosphere, electric excitement).
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "electric" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "electric" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "electric"
-tic sounds
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