How to pronounce alienate
Say it like AY-lyuh-nayt. Alienate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AY).
- AY
- lyuh
- nayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alienate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- lyuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- naytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of alienate
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 4.
British respelling: AY-lee-uh-nayt.
What does alienate mean?
- To convey or transfer to another, as title, property, or right; to part voluntarily with ownership of.
- To estrange; to withdraw affections or attention from; to make indifferent or averse, where love or friendship before subsisted.
- To cause one to feel unable to relate.
Where does alienate come from?
From Middle English alienat(e) (“deranged; uncertain; sequestred, secluded”), from Latin aliēnātus, perfect passive participle of aliēnō (“to estrange, alienate”) (see -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from aliēnus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying alienate
How do you pronounce alienate?
Say AY-lyuh-nayt. The American pronunciation is /ˈeɪljəˌneɪt/. In British English it is /ˈeɪliəneɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alienate?
Alienate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AY). Broken into parts: AY · lyuh · nayt.
Is alienate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 4. The British form is /ˈeɪliəneɪt/ (AY-lee-uh-nayt).