2 syllables: ex, claim. Stress on claim.
/ɪkˈkleɪm/
Say it backExclaim is a verb meaning to cry out suddenly or publicly, often with strong emotion or surprise. It carries a sense of emphasis and force, typically expressed in speech as a short, exclamatory utterance. The word can function in varied registers, from literary narration to everyday dialogue, and implies a vocal outburst rather than a prolonged statement.
"She stepped back in shock and exclaimed, ‘That was amazing!’"
"The crowd exclaimed in unison when the referee blew the whistle."
"‘Watch out!’ he exclaimed, pointing toward the road."
Pronounce as /ɪkˈskleɪm/ in US and UK English; stress falls on the second syllable. Start with a light schwa-like initial segment to a short /ɪ/ or /ɪk/ cluster, then move to /ˈskleɪ/ with a clear /eɪ/ vowel and a final /m/. In rapid speech the /k/ can sound slightly softened, but keep the /skl/ cluster distinct. An audio reference such asPronounce or Cambridge audio can help hear the precise placement.
Common mistakes include misplacing the primary stress on the first syllable (e.g., /ˈek-skleɪm/), dropping the /s/ cluster leading to /ɪkˈkleɪm/ or /ɪkˈskleɪm/ with an unclear /sk/ blend, and mispronouncing the /eɪ/ diphthong, rendering it as a short /e/ sound. Correct by ensuring the /skl/ cluster is crisp and the /eɪ/ is a clear glide from /e/ to /ɪ/. Practice with slow tempo to lock the diphthong’s trajectory and maintain final /m/.
In US/UK/AU, the main differences lie in the final vowel quality and rhoticity. US tends to have a slightly longer and tenser /eɪ/ in /ˈskleɪm/ and a rhotic r absence after vowel is not a factor here since there’s no r in exclaim, but overall vowel length can vary. UK tends to be crisp with a shorter onset vowel and tighter /skl/ release. AU follows similar to UK but may have a subtly broader diphthong due to broader vowel quality and non-rhotic tendencies. IPA remains /ɪkˈskleɪm/ for all three with minor vowel shifts.
The difficulty centers on maintaining a clean /skl/ cluster and the accurate /eɪ/ diphthong. Many speakers blur the /s/ or misarticulate the transition from /k/ to /l/ in the middle, which softens the word’s distinctiveness. Also, the second syllable carries stress, which can be overlooked when rushing speech. Focus on a crisp release from /s/ into /kl/ and a precise glide in /eɪ/.
No letters are silent in exclaim; each letter contributes to the spoken form. The second syllable’s /eɪ/ is a pronounced diphthong, and none of the consonants in exclaim are silent. The /k/ is audible in the /sk/ cluster, and the final /m/ is clearly enunciated. The challenge is not silent letters but achieving the correct inter-consonantal timing and vowel quality.
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Exclaim comes from the Late Latin exclamare, meaning to cry out, shout, or exclaim. The Latin word is composed of ex- (out) and clamare (to cry out, shout). This root, clamare, appears in many English words related to shouting or speaking loudly, such as clamor, exclamation, and proclaim. The first known use in English dates back to the 14th century via Old French esclamier or esclamer, influenced by Latin forms. Over time, exclaim acquired a slightly broader sense of uttering a sudden or emphatic statement, not strictly linked to loud vocalization but to expressive emphasis in speech. Through the centuries, it remained tied to the act of vocally declaring something with emotion, distinct from mere speaking or narrating, which led to its common usage in both literary and colloquial contexts. Today, exclaim preserves its core forceful connotation, while remaining flexible enough to describe both overt shouts and quick, emphatic statements within dialogue.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "exclaim" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "exclaim"
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