How to pronounce bifurcate
Say it like BY-fer-kayt. Bifurcate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bifurcate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BY
- fer
- kayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bifurcate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- ferKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- kaytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of bifurcate
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BY-fuh-kayt.
What does bifurcate mean?
- To divide or fork into two channels or branches.
- To cause to bifurcate.
- Divided or forked into two; bifurcated.
- Having bifurcations.
Where does bifurcate come from?
Learned borrowing from Medieval Latin bifurcātus.
Questions about saying bifurcate
How do you pronounce bifurcate?
Say BY-fer-kayt. The American pronunciation is /ˈbaɪfɚˌkeɪt/. In British English it is /ˈbaɪfəˌkeɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bifurcate?
Bifurcate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BY). Broken into parts: BY · fer · kayt.
Is bifurcate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈbaɪfəˌkeɪt/ (BY-fuh-kayt).