3 syllables: Et, i, quette. Stress on Et.
ET-uh-kuht
/ˈɛtəkət/
Etiquette is pronounced ET-uh-kuht (/ˈɛtəkət/). It has three syllables (Et-i-quette), with the stress on "Et". Etiquette is a set of conventional rules for socially acceptable behavior in formal and informal settings, guiding polite conduct, table manners, greetings, and interaction. It reflects cultural norms and expectations, helping people communicate respectfully and smoothly. Understanding etiquette helps prevent offense and fosters confident, considerate exchanges in diverse environments.
nounEtiquette is a set of conventional rules for socially acceptable behavior in formal and informal settings, guiding polite conduct, table manners, greetings, and interaction. It reflects cultural norms and expectations, helping people communicate respectfully and smoothly. Understanding etiquette helps prevent offense and fosters confident, considerate exchanges in diverse environments.
- You consistently place emphasis on the second syllable (et-ih-KET) instead of the first; ensure you start with a strong first syllable stress. - You insert an extra vowel between the t and e, saying /-ɪɪ-kaa-?; keep it concise: 'et-i-ket' with three clear beats. - You over-lengthen the middle vowel; work to keep it short and reduce vowel length on the second syllable. - You do not release the final /t/ crisply; practice a sharp stop to avoid trailing consonants.
How to Pronounce Etiquette
"At the dinner, follow proper etiquette by using the correct utensils and modest conversational cues."
"Business etiquette dictates punctuality, concise emails, and respectful introductions in professional settings."
"She studied etiquette before traveling to Japan to avoid social missteps."
Pronounce as /ˈed.ɪ.kɛt/ (US) or /ˈet.ɪ.ket/ (UK/AU). The primary stress lands on the first syllable. Start with a crisp e as in 'bed', then a quick, light 'di' syllable, ending with the soft 'ket' like 'kettle' without the extra syllable. You can reference audio models on Pronounce or Forvo in practice.
Common errors: pronouncing it as ‘eh-ti-QUET’ with a heavy quet or misplacing the stress on the second syllable. Another is drawing out the second syllable, making it ‘eh-ti-KEH’ instead of a short, clipped final ‘ket’. The correct form uses a short second syllable and a final /kɛt/ or /kət/. Focus on ending with a crisp /t/ release and avoid a heavy ‘w’ or ‘y’ color in the middle.
US: /ˈɛtɪˌkɛt/ or /ˈedɪˌkɛt/ with a sharper, more clipped first vowel and stress on the first syllable. UK/AU: /ˈetɪkɪt/ or /ˈɛtɪkət/ with a slightly less tense first vowel and a softer /t/ in some regions. All share final /kɛt/ or /kət/; rhotacization is not typical here. Aim for a brisk, unrounded first vowel in US, and a slightly rounded, shorter second vowel in UK/AU variants.
The difficulty lies in the unstressed second syllable and the final cluster /ɡɛt/ vs /kɪt/. The transition from a light /ɪ/ in “et” to a more closed /kɛt/ or /kət/ can cause vowel reduction or lengthening. Also, many speakers misplace stress or insert an audible /j/ or /w/ between syllables. Practice the clean CV-CVC pattern and a crisp /t/ release to stabilize rhythm.
A unique query focuses on the second syllable’s color in careful speech—why some pronounce it as /ˈedɪˌkɛt/ while others glide to /ˈetɪˌkɪt/. The answer: the mid vowel shifts and the consonant timing between /k/ and /t/ vary by speaker and influence of surrounding vowels. In careful speech, you’ll hear a clear /kɛ/ or /kət/; in rapid speech, the vowel may be reduced. Listening to native recordings and matching timing helps you stabilize this shift.
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Etiquette derives from the Old French word sgement or etiquette, historically tied to a diminutive of ‘est’ meaning ‘is’? (Actually, etymology: The English term traces to French etiquette meaning ‘label’ or ‘card’ placed on things, and by extension the social conventions associated with behavior. The root idea concerns social behavior governed by implied rules and ceremonials.) The modern sense emerged in the 17th–18th centuries as courtly conduct and formal proprieties were codified. It is influenced by Latin and medieval French terms about ceremony, rank, and proper conduct. The word evolved from practical, tangible markers of behavior (courtesy rules) to the abstract system of norms we now call etiquette. First known uses appear in English in the 18th century, paralleling the rise of formal social rituals in aristocratic and middle-class life. In contemporary usage, etiquette reflects a blend of cultural expectations, evolving with technology, globalization, and cross-cultural interactions, shaping what is considered appropriate in dining, greetings, communication, and public decorum across domains.
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Words that rhyme with "Etiquette"
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