VEK-turz
/ˈvɛktɚz/
vectors is pronounced VEK-turz (/ˈvɛktɚz/). Vectors refers to quantities that have both magnitude and direction, commonly used in mathematics, physics, and computer science. In broader contexts, “vector” can denote a carrier or conduit, such as a direction of movement or a transmitted trait. The plural form “vectors” denotes multiple such quantities or carriers. The term is typically used in technical, academic discourse and often appears in formulas and descriptions of spatial relationships.
Vectors refers to quantities that have both magnitude and direction, commonly used in mathematics, physics, and computer science. In broader contexts, “vector” can denote a carrier or conduit, such as a direction of movement or a transmitted trait. The plural form “vectors” denotes multiple such quantities or carriers. The term is typically used in technical, academic discourse and often appears in formulas and descriptions of spatial relationships.
- You might flatten the first syllable: keep /ˈvɛk/ with a crisp /ɛ/ vowel and avoid conflating with /i/ or /eɪ/.- The middle vowel can be reduced; aim for /tɚ/ rather than /tər/ in rapid speech; keep the /ɚ/ tight and not a separate syllable. - Final /z/ can be voiceless in hurried speech; ensure your vocal folds vibrate for a clear /z/.
Tip: practice saying VEK-ters slowly, then gradually fast, keeping a consistent release on /t/ and a clean /z/ at the end.
"In physics, force and velocity are described as vectors."
"The study analyzed multiple vectors to determine the trajectory."
"Biologists examine genetic vectors to understand trait transmission."
You say VEC-turz in US and UK; in IPA for US: /ˈvɛk.tɚz/ or /ˈvɛk.tɚz/. Stress is on the first syllable. The second syllable contains a rhotacized schwa /ɚ/ in many American pronunciations, followed by a voiced /z/ at the end. Your mouth starts with a tense front vowel /ɛ/ then a light /k/ stop, finishing with a voiced alveolar sibilant. If you’re aiming for clear enunciation, keep /t/ short before the rhotic vowel and don’t let the /t/ become a flap in casual speech.”,
Common errors: turning /ˈvɛk.tərz/ into /ˈvi.ktoʊz/ by misplacing the vowel in the first syllable; softening the /t/ into a /d/ (tk → d); losing the final /z/ by making it a /s/ or silent. Correction: keep the /k/ crisp, avoid deriving the second syllable as /dər/, and end with a clear /z/. Practice the sequence V-ɛ-k- t-ɚ- z with a light flap avoided; ensure the /t/ remains alveolar stop before the rhotic vowel. Use a short, crisp /t/ to preserve syllable boundary.”,
US: /ˈvɛk.tɚz/ with rhotacized /ɚ/ and /z/. UK: /ˈvɛk.təz/ or /ˈvɛk.təz/, sometimes with a non-rhotic ending as /-əz/; AU: /ˈvɛk.təz/ or /ˈveɪk.təz/ depending on speaker, but typically /ˈvɛk.təz/ with a clear /ə/ or /ɐ/. In all, the first syllable remains stressed; the final consonant is a voiced /z/ in US and several UK varieties, whereas some Australian speakers may reduce the second syllable slightly to /tə/ or /tə/. Pay attention to rhoticity and vowel quality.
The difficulty centers on the sequence /t/ plus rhotacized /ɚ/ and the final /z/. Achieve clarity by ending the /t/ with a crisp release before the /ɚ/; avoid linking the /ɚ/ to a following /z/. The American tendency to pronounce the middle as a reduced vowel can blur the syllable boundary, so practice keeping the second syllable shorter (/tɚ/). Also, ensure the final /z/ is voiced and not devoiced in rapid speech.
The word has a clear first-syllable stress, /ˈvɛk/; the second syllable often contains a rhotacized vowel /ɚ/ in US; some speakers in UK/AU may reduce to /ə/ or /ɐ/ and produce /ˈvɛk.təz/; the final /z/ is a voiced fricative, which can be devoiced in rapid speech or followed by a pause. In careful pronunciation, maintain the syllable boundary with a brief /t/ release before the rhotic vowel.
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- US: rhotacized central vowel /ɚ/ in the second syllable; maintain a clear /z/ at the end; consider linking to following word with a natural stop. - UK: often less rhotic; may pronounce as /ˈvɛk.təz/ with a schwa in the second syllable and reduced vowel; final /z/ retained but may be softer. - AU: similar to UK; some speakers reduce the second syllable more, but ensure the final /z/ remains voiced; keep a relaxed jaw. - IPA references help you track the exact vowel quality and rhoticity; practice with minimal pairs to feel the differences.
The word vectors originates from the Latin verb vec̄(o), meaning “to carry” or “to bear.” In Latin, vecor, vectus are verbs related to carrying, and the noun vectus surfaces as “carrying” or “conveyance.” The mathematical sense emerged in the 19th century as scientists formalized directions with magnitude; the term “vector” was adopted from French vecteur, which itself derives from Latin vec̄us, related to bearing. The plural “vectors” appeared as the concept expanded beyond a single directional quantity to multiple magnitudes with directions, enabling descriptions of multi-dimensional spaces. Early mathematical usage framed vectors as directed line segments; later, with linear algebra and vector spaces, vectors became foundational for representing coordinates, forces, and data. In modern science, “vector” is widely used across physics, engineering, computer science, and statistics, and the plural form simply indicates more than one of these directed carries or quantities. First known uses appear in 18th- to 19th-century mathematical texts, with widespread adoption by mid- to late-19th century as vector algebra matured.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "vectors" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "vectors" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "vectors"
-ors sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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