How to pronounce capitalism
Say it like KAP-ih-tuh-liz-um. Capitalism has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce capitalism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAP
- ih
- tuh
- liz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Capitalism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lizGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of capitalism
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KAP-ih-tuh-liz-um.
What does capitalism mean?
- an economic system based on private ownership of capital
Where does capitalism come from?
Borrowed from French capitalisme (“the condition of one who is rich”); equivalent to capital + -ism.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying capitalism
How do you pronounce capitalism?
Say KAP-ih-tuh-liz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈkæpɪtəˌlɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈkæpɪtəˌlɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in capitalism?
Capitalism has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAP). Broken into parts: KAP · ih · tuh · liz · um.
Is capitalism 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 /ˈkæpɪtəˌlɪzəm/ (KAP-ih-tuh-liz-um).