How to pronounce circulate
Say it like SUR-kyuh-layt. Circulate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce circulate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUR
- kyuh
- layt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Circulate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- kyuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- laytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of circulate
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SUR-kyuu-layt.
What does circulate mean?
- To move in circles or through a circuit.
- To cause (a person or thing) to move in circles or through a circuit.
- To move from person to person, as at a party.
Where does circulate come from?
Borrowed from Late Latin circulātus, perfect passive participle of Late Latin circulō (“to make circular, encircle”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), a later collateral form of circulor (“form a circle (of men) around oneself”), from circulus (“a circle”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying circulate
How do you pronounce circulate?
Say SUR-kyuh-layt. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɝkjəˌleɪt/. In British English it is /ˈsɜːkjʊˌleɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in circulate?
Circulate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR). Broken into parts: SUR · kyuh · layt.
Is circulate 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 /ˈsɜːkjʊˌleɪt/ (SUR-kyuu-layt).