2 syllables: Ra, cist. Stress on Ra.
RAY-sist
/ˈɹeɪsɪst/
Racist is pronounced RAY-sist (/ˈɹeɪsɪst/). It has two syllables (Ra-cist), with the stress on "Ra". Racist is an adjective describing belief, behavior, or systems that assert the superiority of one race over others or discriminate based on race. It is often used to label views or actions that express prejudice or endorse unequal treatment. The term can apply to individuals, groups, policies, or attitudes, ranging from overt hostility to implicit bias.
adjectiveRacist is an adjective describing belief, behavior, or systems that assert the superiority of one race over others or discriminate based on race. It is often used to label views or actions that express prejudice or endorse unequal treatment. The term can apply to individuals, groups, policies, or attitudes, ranging from overt hostility to implicit bias.
"She faced accusations of holding racist beliefs after the comments were revealed."
"The policy was challenged for its racist implications and impact on minority communities."
"He denied being racist, insisting his views were about culture, not race."
Pronounce it as /ˈreɪ.sɪst/. The stress sits on the first syllable. Start with the long A sound as in ‘rain,’ then a short, quick ‘si’ as in ‘sit,’ and end with a clear /st/ cluster. In connected speech, you’ll often hear a subtle reduction on the middle vowel, but the primary vowel should remain crisp. Listen to native examples and mimic the rhythm: REY-sist.
Common errors include saying /ˈriː.sɪst/ with a long E in the first syllable or slurring the final /st/ into /s/ or /t/ (e.g., /ˈreɪ.sɪz/). Another mistake is misplacing stress as /ˈriː.sɪst/ or balancing too evenly across syllables. Correct by emphasizing the first syllable with pure /eɪ/ and rendering the final /st/ as a tightly held consonant cluster without devoicing. Practice with minimal pairs to lock the pattern: /ˈreɪ.sɪst/ vs /ˈriː.sɪst/.
In US, UK, and AU, the initial stressed syllable uses /eɪ/ as in ‘rain,’ and the final /st/ remains a strong voiceless cluster. The main differences are vowel quality and rhoticity: US tends to be rhotic with a clear /r/ in adjacent positions, impacting coarticulation; UK often has non-rhotic tendencies and crisper /t/ releases; AU typically rhoticish in some contexts but can be non-rhotic in casual speech, with slightly flatter vowel realisations. Overall, /ˈreɪ.sɪst/ is consistent, with subtle vowel and r-color variations by region.
It’s challenging because of the /ɪ/ vs /ɪ/ plus the /st/ cluster and the need for precise tongue-tip contact. The middle sound is a short, lax /ɪ/ that sits between /ɪ/ and /ɪə/ in rapid speech, and the /st/ requires a strong, immediate closure without voicing. Additionally, rapid speech may reduce the vowel in the middle, blurring syllable boundaries. Finesse is required in timing and tongue placement to avoid sounding like /ˈrɛsɪst/ or /ˈreɪ.sɪz/.
No. The word fully pronounces all letters: /ˈreɪ.sɪst/. There is no silent letter, and both syllables are enunciated with the first being stressed. The final /st/ is a single blended cluster rather than two discrete consonants, so you should keep a crisp release to avoid sounding like /ˈreɪ.sɪt/ or /ˈreɪ.sɪz/.
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Racist derives from race, from the Old French race, from the Italian razza, from late Latin raza “race, lineage,” with the suffix -ist denoting a person who professes or is associated with a principle or practice. The modern pejorative sense—someone who subscribes to racial prejudice—emerged in the 19th to early 20th century as theories of race gained prominence in social and political discourse. The term often appears in debates about ethnicity, nationality, and policy. Initially, “racist” could refer to individuals advocating racial hierarchies or segregation; over time, it broadened to describe institutions, policies, or societal norms that functionally privilege one group over others. The word’s usage expanded during civil rights struggles and continued into contemporary debates about inequality and systemic bias, making it a common label in discussions of social justice. First known uses appear in English-language newspapers and political writings of the late 19th century, aligning with the period when racial science and colonization influenced public policy and discourse.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Racist" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Racist" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Racist"
-ste sounds
-ast sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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