How to pronounce colonize
Say it like KOL-uh-nyze. Colonize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce colonize. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOL
- uh
- nyze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Colonize pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nyzeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of colonize
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KOL-uh-nyze.
What does colonize mean?
- To settle (a place) with colonists, and hence make (a place) into a colony.
- To settle among and establish control over (the indigenous people of an area).
- To begin a colony or colonies.
Where does colonize come from?
From colony + -ize.
Words that rhyme with colonize
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of colonize.
Questions about saying colonize
How do you pronounce colonize?
Say KOL-uh-nyze. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑlənaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈkɒlənaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in colonize?
Colonize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOL). Broken into parts: KOL · uh · nyze.
Is colonize pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈkɒlənaɪz/ (KOL-uh-nyze).