2 syllables: Sex, ist. Stress on Sex.
SEK-sist
/ˈsɛksɪst/
Sexist is pronounced SEK-sist (/ˈsɛksɪst/). It has two syllables (Sex-ist), with the stress on "Sex". Sexist is an adjective describing attitudes or actions that presume or promote the inherent superiority of one group (typically men) over another, or discrimination based on sex. It notes bias or prejudice embedded in language, behavior, or policy. In usage, it often critiques speakers, organizations, or systems for unequal treatment or stereotypes tied to gender.
adjectiveSexist is an adjective describing attitudes or actions that presume or promote the inherent superiority of one group (typically men) over another, or discrimination based on sex. It notes bias or prejudice embedded in language, behavior, or policy. In usage, it often critiques speakers, organizations, or systems for unequal treatment or stereotypes tied to gender.
"The debate exposed sexist assumptions embedded in the hiring process."
"A manager must avoid sexist comments that undermine team morale."
"The policy was criticized for its sexist undertones and lack of representation."
Pronounce as ˈsɛksɪst. Start with a stressed syllable on 'sex-' (/ˈsɛk/). The /ks/ cluster is a compact hard k-s sound, followed by a short /ɪ/ in the second syllable and final /st/ cluster. Ensure the /s/ of the second syllable is light and the /t/ lands crisply, not as a dropped alveolar. Listen to a reliable pronunciation: you should hear two distinct syllables: SEX-ist.
Common errors: (1) Flattening the /ɪ/ into a schwa; (2) Spelling-tie of /ks/ with /z/ making it /ˈsɛzɪst/; (3) Final /t/ too soft or dropped in rapid speech. Correction: maintain /-ks-/ as a hard cluster after /ɛ/; pronounce /ɪ/ clearly as a short lax vowel; land the final /t/ with a crisp release. Practice saying ‘sex’ with a stronger stop, then add ‘ist’ with a light, quick /st/.”,
US: /ˈsɛksɪst/ with rhotic American profile and clear /s/ and /t/; UK: /ˈsek.sɪst/ with slightly shorter /e/ and less rhoticity; AU: /ˈsɛksɪst/ but with more vowel reduction in connected speech and a slightly longer final /æ/ or faster /ɪ/ depending on speaker. Across all, stress remains on the first syllable; the /ks/ cluster stays intact, and the final /st/ is released.
It involves a tight /ks/ consonant cluster after /s/ and a short, lax vowel /ɪ/ before an /st/ cluster, which can blend in rapid speech. The challenge is keeping the /ks/ distinct from /k/ or /s/ and ensuring the final /t/ is audible. Also, listeners rely on the crisp /s/ + /t/ boundary; practice isolating the /ɪ/ and the /st/ to avoid a slurred ending.
The root does influence perception but not stress. Stress remains on the first syllable: SEX-ist. However, in fast speech or when enunciating clearly, you may subtly increase amplitude on the first syllable, while the second syllable remains light. The challenge is preserving the /ks/ cluster’s integrity during quick articulation so it’s not heard as /sɪkst/ or /z/.
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Sexist originates from sexism, formed in the late 19th to early 20th century as a back-formation from the noun sex and the suffix -ist, which denotes a person who practices or advocates a manner of belief. The root sex comes from Latin sexus, meaning ‘gender’ or ‘division,’ borrowed into English in Middle English via Old French as sexe. The term sexism itself first appeared in feminist writings to describe discriminatory practices against women, and gained scholarly and public usage in the mid-20th century with the rise of gender studies. As social awareness expanded, sexist as an adjective was used to condemn attitudes, language, or policies that presuppose male superiority. The word has since broadened to critique sexism in various institutions, including workplaces, media, and law. The evolution reflects a shift from generalized bias to explicit structural and linguistic discrimination. First known uses in print align with early feminist discourse in the 1950s–1960s, with increasing formal recognition in dictionaries by the 1970s and 1980s as conversations about gender equality intensified globally.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Sexist" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Sexist"
-ist sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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