3 syllables: Re, pell, ents. Stress on pell.
rip-EL-uhnts
/ɹɪˈpɛlənts/
Repellents is pronounced rip-EL-uhnts (/ɹɪˈpɛlənts/). It has three syllables (Re-pell-ents), with the stress on "pell". Repellents are substances or devices designed to deter pests, insects, or animals from approaching a treated area. They function by emitting odors, tastes, or other cues that discourage contact or proximity. In everyday use, repellents typically refer to consumer products applied topically or strategically placed to prevent bites, stings, or infestations.
nounRepellents are substances or devices designed to deter pests, insects, or animals from approaching a treated area. They function by emitting odors, tastes, or other cues that discourage contact or proximity. In everyday use, repellents typically refer to consumer products applied topically or strategically placed to prevent bites, stings, or infestations.
- You might stumble on the three-syllable rhythm: first syllable /rɪ/ or /rə/, second syllable carries the primary stress /ˈpɛl/, and the final /ənts/ can blur to /ənts/ or /ənts/. Practicing with rhythm drills helps you stabilize the middle heavy beat. - The /p/ + /l/ cluster can feel rushed; ensure a short aspirated /p/ followed by a light /l/ with the tongue blade touching the alveolar ridge for a moment before moving to the /ə/ vowel. - Final cluster /nts/ often becomes a simple /ənz/ or /nts/ only; aim for crisp alveolar /n/ followed by /t/ then /s/. - Vowel in first syllable may reduce; avoid /riːˈpel.ənts/ to keep natural rhythm. - Sloppy linking or elision can remove the first /ɪ/; keep a clear but relaxed /ɪ/ to preserve the three-syllable pattern.
How to Pronounce Repellents
"The countryside shop sold several repellents for mosquitoes and ticks."
"We tested different repellents to see which lasted the longest outdoors."
"Her backpack contained repellent wipes for a last-minute hike."
Pronounce as /rɪˈpɛl.ənts/ (US) or /rɪˈpel.ənts/ (UK/AU). Stress is on the second syllable: re-PELL-ents. Start with a short, softly rounded /ɪ/ in the first syllable, then a clear /pɛl/ cluster with a light /l/, followed by a schwa in the third syllable and a final clear /nts/. If you’re keeping it natural, the ending may be lightly de-voiced: /-nts/. Audio cues: think “ri-PELL-ents” with a crisp /p/ and a quick /t͡s/ release at the end.
Common errors include misplacing stress on the first syllable (re-Pell-ents instead of re-PELL-ents), and pronouncing /p/ and /l/ too closely or blending the /l/ into the following vowel. Some speakers over-pronounce the final consonant as /-z/ or /-ts/; keep it as a short /nts/ cluster. Another pitfall is a reduced first syllable vowel, giving /rə/ instead of /rɪ/. To correct: lock the stress on /ˈpɛl/, ensure the /p/ is aspirated, lightly articulate the /l/, and finish with a crisp /nts/.
In US English you’ll hear /rɪˈpɛl.ənts/, with a clear /ɪ/ in the first syllable. UK/AU often use /rɪˈpel.ənts/ or /ˈriː.pel.ənts/ depending on speaker, but generally maintain stress on the second syllable. The mid vowels are similar, but UK tends to slightly longer vowels in unstressed syllables; AU is often rhotic but may shorten the second syllable slightly, with a more open ending /nts/. In all, the main rhotic differences are modest; focus on keeping stress on the second syllable and crisp final consonants.
The challenge lies in the three-syllable structure with a mid-stressed second syllable and a tricky final nasal-cluster /nts/. The /ɪ/ vs /ɛ/ contrast in the first syllable can be subtle, and many speakers short-change the vowel in the first syllable or merge /əl/ into a single syllable. The /p/ and /l/ sequence requires careful timing to avoid an intrusive /l/ or a /p/ blend into the following vowel. Practicing with minimal pairs like repel/repell, or repellents/repellent helps stabilize the rhythm and final cluster.
In branding, some speakers emphasize the second syllable more strongly for memorability, but that does not change standard IPA: /rɪˈpɛl.ənts/. In scientific contexts, you may hear /riˈpɛl.ənts/ with a slightly longer first vowel in precise, careful speech. Overall, the standard pronunciation remains stable: re-PELL-ents with final /nts/.
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- US: /rɪˈpɛl.ənts/. The /ɪ/ in the first syllable is short; keep it crisp. The /ɛ/ in the stressed syllable should be open-mid, with a clear /l/ following. - UK: /rɪˈpel.ənts/ or /ˈriː.pel.ənts/: maintain a slightly longer first vowel in careful speech, and keep final /nts/ crisp. - AU: /riˈpel.ənts/ or /riˈpɛl.ənts/: stronger rolled r on initial if speaker is rhotic; keep /ɪ/ or /i/ as a quick vowel. Overall, maintain non-rhotic tendencies in some UK variants. - Common across: final cluster demands crisp alveolar /t/ + /s/; practice with slow delivery to avoid vowel-diphthonging. - IPA references help track subtle shifts: US /rɪˈpɛl.ənts/, UK /rɪˈpel.ənts/, AU /riˈpel.ənts/.
The word repellents originates from the verb repel, which comes from late Latin repellere, from re- ‘back’ + pellere ‘to drive, push’. The suffix -ent forms agent nouns indicating something that performs an action. The sense of “that repels” emerged in English in the 16th–17th centuries, aligning with chemical, physical, and biological deterrents. Over time, repellents evolved as a general category covering insecticides, disinfectants, and deterrent devices. In modern usage, repellents are widely used in domestic, medical, and outdoor contexts, with product naming often emphasizing the target pest (mosquito repellent, animal repellent). The term has kept a consistent core meaning—something that drives pests away—while expanding to include consumer products, safety devices, and protective barriers. The emphasis on “repelling” rather than “killing” reflects a shift toward preventive, non-lethal strategies in pest management and personal protection, which began to gain prominence in the late 20th century with public health campaigns and eco-friendly product lines.
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Words that rhyme with "Repellents"
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