3 syllables: Re, be, cca. Stress on be.
ruh-BEK-uh
/ɹəˈbɛkə/
Rebecca is pronounced ruh-BEK-uh (/ɹəˈbɛkə/). It has three syllables (Re-be-cca), with the stress on "be". Rebecca is a female given name of Hebrew origin, commonly used in English-speaking countries. In modern usage it refers to a specific person or character, and it appears in various cultural contexts. The name has a two-syllable rhythm with a stress on the second syllable, and its pronunciation varies slightly by region.
nounRebecca is a female given name of Hebrew origin, commonly used in English-speaking countries. In modern usage it refers to a specific person or character, and it appears in various cultural contexts. The name has a two-syllable rhythm with a stress on the second syllable, and its pronunciation varies slightly by region.
"Rebecca introduced herself at the meeting and offered to take notes."
"The author Rebecca Robertson published a best-selling novel."
"In the film, Rebecca is portrayed as a resilient, clever protagonist."
Pronounce it re- BEK-uh, with the primary stress on the second syllable. IPA: US /rɪˈbekə/, UK /rɪˈbekə/, AU /rɪˈbekə/. Start with a relaxed schwa in the first syllable, then a clear /be/ or /bek/ in the stressed syllable, and finish with a soft /ə/ in the final syllable. You’ll want a short, crisp /k/ in the middle and a light, gentle final vowel.
Two common errors: turning the second syllable into /ˈriːbɛkə/ by overpronouncing the first vowel, and softening the /k/ into /t/ or /s/. To correct, keep the first syllable as a quick, muted /rə/ and emphasize /ˈbek/ with a sharp but not overextended /k/. End with a light /ə/ for a natural finish.
In US English, the first syllable reduces to /rə/, stress on /ˈbe/. UK English tends to a crisp /rɪˈbekə/ with less rhoticity in non-rhotic accents, and AU shares /rɪˈbekə/ but often a slightly broader vowel in the first syllable. All share the /ˈbek/ core, but vowel quality and rhoticity color the subtle vowel heights and r-coloring.
Because of the two-syllable structure with a mid-stress shift and a mid central vowel in the first syllable, many learners misplace the stress or flatten the /e/ in the second syllable. The final schwa can be subtle, and the /k/ must be released crisply. Practice bridging /rə/ to /ˈbek/ to ensure the stress lands on the correct syllable.
Rebecca has a clear, lexically stressed second syllable /ˈbek/ with a strong plosive /k/ followed by a soft /ə/. The name’s musical rhythm is two stressed beats? No, the primary stress is on the second syllable, with the final /ə/ often reduced. Paying attention to that second peak helps listeners identify the name quickly.
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Rebecca is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, ultimately from the name Rivka (רִבְקָה), meaning ‘to bind’ or ‘captivating’ or ‘a connection’ through its root verb ר-ב-ק. The name appears in the Hebrew Bible as Rebecca, wife of Isaac, celebrated for her hospitality and kindness. The Latinized form Rebecca came into English via Latin and Greek translations of the Bible, with early English usage appearing in medieval times. In the 16th–19th centuries, the name gained widespread popularity in Europe and the English-speaking world, becoming a staple for girls born into Christian families. Over time, Rebecca evolved into various diminutives and nicknames like Becca and Becky, while maintaining its regal, classic feel in many cultures.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Rebecca" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Rebecca" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Rebecca" 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 "Rebecca"
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.
