How to pronounce Balkanize
Say it like BAWL-kuh-nyze. Balkanize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAWL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Balkanize. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAWL
- kuh
- nyze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Balkanize pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAWLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nyzeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of Balkanize
American and British speakers say Balkanize in essentially the same way: /ˈbɔlkəˌnaɪz/ in the US and /ˈbɔːlkəˌnaɪz/ in the UK.
British respelling: BAWL-kuh-nyze.
What does Balkanize mean?
- To break up into small, mutually-hostile units, especially on a political basis.
Questions about saying Balkanize
How do you pronounce Balkanize?
Say BAWL-kuh-nyze. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɔlkəˌnaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈbɔːlkəˌnaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Balkanize?
Balkanize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAWL). Broken into parts: BAWL · kuh · nyze.
Do Americans and Brits say Balkanize the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbɔlkəˌnaɪz/ and the British form is /ˈbɔːlkəˌnaɪz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.