How to pronounce alliterate
Say it like uh-LIT-uh-rayt. Alliterate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LIT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce alliterate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- LIT
- uh
- rayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alliterate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- raytKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of alliterate
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: uh-LIT-uh-rayt.
What does alliterate mean?
- To exhibit alliteration.
- To use (a word or sound) so as to make alliteration.
Where does alliterate come from?
Back-formation from alliteration.
Words that rhyme with alliterate
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of alliterate.
Questions about saying alliterate
How do you pronounce alliterate?
Say uh-LIT-uh-rayt. The American pronunciation is /əˈlɪtəreɪt/. In British English it is /əˈlɪtəreɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alliterate?
Alliterate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LIT). Broken into parts: uh · LIT · uh · rayt.
Is alliterate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /əˈlɪtəreɪt/ (uh-LIT-uh-rayt).