How to pronounce ameliorate
Say it like uh-MEE-lyuh-rayt. Ameliorate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ameliorate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- MEE
- lyuh
- rayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ameliorate 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.
- MEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- lyuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- raytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of ameliorate
American and British speakers say ameliorate in essentially the same way: /əˈmiljəˌreɪt/ in the US and /əˈmiːljəˌreɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-MEE-lyuh-rayt.
What does ameliorate mean?
- To make better, or improve, something perceived to be in a negative condition.“They offered some compromises in an effort to ameliorate the situation.”
- To become better; improve.
Where does ameliorate come from?
Alteration of meliorate after French améliorer.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying ameliorate
How do you pronounce ameliorate?
Say uh-MEE-lyuh-rayt. The American pronunciation is /əˈmiljəˌreɪt/. In British English it is /əˈmiːljəˌreɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ameliorate?
Ameliorate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MEE). Broken into parts: uh · MEE · lyuh · rayt.
Do Americans and Brits say ameliorate the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈmiljəˌreɪt/ and the British form is /əˈmiːljəˌreɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.