How to pronounce abdication
Say it like ab-dih-KAY-shun. Abdication has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KAY).
- ab
- dih
- KAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abdication pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- abGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- KAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of abdication
American and British speakers say abdication in essentially the same way: /ˌæbdɪˈkeɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌæbdəˈkeɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: ab-duh-KAY-shun.
What does abdication mean?
- The act of abdicating; the renunciation of a high office, dignity, or trust, by its holder.
- The voluntary renunciation of sovereign power.“abdication of the throne, government, power, authority”
Where does abdication come from?
First attested in 1552.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- stepping down
Words that rhyme with abdication
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of abdication.
Questions about saying abdication
How do you pronounce abdication?
Say ab-dih-KAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌæbdɪˈkeɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌæbdəˈkeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abdication?
Abdication has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KAY). Broken into parts: ab · dih · KAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say abdication the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌæbdɪˈkeɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌæbdəˈkeɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.