How to Pronounce Accept vs Except

"accept" and "except" are pronounced differently. "accept" is uhk-SEPT (/əkˈsɛpt/); "except" is ik-SEPT (/ɪkˈsɛpt/). The first syllable differs: accept begins "uhk-"; except begins "ik-". Both stress the second syllable.

🔀 Different pronunciation

accept

/əkˈsɛpt/

Say it like: uhk-SEPT

accept

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Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Full pronunciation page for “accept” →

except

/ɪkˈsɛpt/

Say it like: ik-SEPT

except

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Full pronunciation page for “except” →

Frequently asked questions

Are "accept" and "except" pronounced the same?

No. "accept" is uhk-SEPT (/əkˈsɛpt/) and "except" is ik-SEPT (/ɪkˈsɛpt/). The first syllable differs: accept begins "uhk-"; except begins "ik-". Both stress the second syllable.

Why do people confuse "accept" and "except"?

The first vowels are both weak, making them easy to confuse.

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