How to pronounce colonialism
Say it like kuh-LOH-nee-uh-liz-um. Colonialism has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce colonialism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kuh
- LOH
- nee
- uh
- liz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Colonialism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- neeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- uhKeep 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 colonialism
- American English uses 6 syllables and British English 5.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: kuh-LOH-nyuh-lih-zum.
What does colonialism mean?
- The seizure of geographical area to extract its natural resources or exploit the labor of the indigenous peoples to remotely benefit a distant country.
- A colonial word, phrase, concept, or habit.
- Colonial life.
Where does colonialism come from?
From colonial + -ism.
Questions about saying colonialism
How do you pronounce colonialism?
Say kuh-LOH-nee-uh-liz-um. The American pronunciation is /kəˈloʊniəˌlɪzəm/. In British English it is /kəˈləʊnjəlɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in colonialism?
Colonialism has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LOH). Broken into parts: kuh · LOH · nee · uh · liz · um.
Is colonialism pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 6 syllables and British English 5. The British form is /kəˈləʊnjəlɪzəm/ (kuh-LOH-nyuh-lih-zum).