2 syllables: e, lects. Stress on lects.
il-EKTS
/ˌɪˈlɛkts/
elects is pronounced il-EKTS (/ˌɪˈlɛkts/). It has two syllables (e-lects), with the stress on "lects". elects is the third-person singular present tense of elect, meaning to select or choose, typically used in political or organizational contexts. It refers to the act of choosing someone for office or a position, often in a formal or procedural setting. The pronunciation is short and clipped, with emphasis on the first syllable. (2-4 sentences, ~60 words).
elects is the third-person singular present tense of elect, meaning to select or choose, typically used in political or organizational contexts. It refers to the act of choosing someone for office or a position, often in a formal or procedural setting. The pronunciation is short and clipped, with emphasis on the first syllable. (2-4 sentences, ~60 words)
"The committee elects a chair from among its members."
"She elects to pursue a different career path after graduation."
"The voters elects a new representative every four years."
You say it as /ɪˈlɛkts/. The first syllable is unstressed and lax /ɪ/ (like 'sit'), while the second syllable bears primary stress with /ɛ/ as in 'bet,' followed by a crisp final /ts/ cluster. In careful speech, ensure a quick but audible /t/ release and avoid a heavy /d/ or extra vowel before the /t/. IPA: US/UK/AU: ɪˈlɛkts.
Common errors include turning the final /ts/ into an s-sound /s/ or a /t/ with poor release. Some speakers insert a schwa before /t/ as in ‘e-le(k)ts,’ or overemphasize the /e/ in the second syllable. Correction: keep the second syllable short and crisp with /ɛ/ and release the /t/ into /ts/ without extra vowels. Practice with minimal pairs like /ɪˈlɛkts/ vs /ɪˈlɛk/ (no final /ts/).
US and UK generally share /ɪˈlɛkts/, with primary stress on the second syllable; Australian English is similar but may exhibit a slightly flatter vowels in some speakers. Rhoticity does not affect this word much, but connected speech can reduce the vowel length in the first syllable and the /t/ can become a tap [ɾ] in rapid speech, though that’s less common with this word. IPA references: US/UK/AU: ɪˈlɛkts.
The main challenge is the final consonant cluster /-ts/, which can be merged into /ts/ or simplified to /t/ or /s/ in rapid speech. The initial /ɪ/ is unstressed, which can lead to a reduced vowel or misplacement of stress on the second syllable. Also, keeping the /l/ as a light, not-darkened sound, and ensuring a crisp /ɛ/ in the stressed syllable helps clarity. IPA: ɪˈlɛkts.
The word contains a two-consonant cluster at the end, /-kts/, which requires a precise, quick release from /k/ into /ts/. This cluster can be tricky for speakers whose L1 avoids word-final clusters. Practice by slowly delivering /k/ then a rapid /ts/ with a short audible hiss, then speed up. IPA cue: ɪˈlɛkts; mouth positions: tongue tip to alveolar ridge for /t/ and /s/; jaw relatively closed.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "elects"!
elects derives from the verb elect, from Old French election, ultimately from Latin electus, past participle of eligere meaning to pick out, select. The Latin verb eligere comprises e- (out) + legere (to pick, choose, read) and conveys the sense of
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "elects" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "elects" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "elects" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "elects"
-lfs sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
