How to pronounce conservatism
Say it like kun-SUR-vuh-tiz-um. Conservatism has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce conservatism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- SUR
- vuh
- tiz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Conservatism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- vuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tizGive 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 conservatism
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: kun-SUR-vuh-tih-zum.
What does conservatism mean?
- A political philosophy that advocates traditional values.
- A risk-averse attitude or approach.
Where does conservatism come from?
Either irregularly from conservative + -ism or from conservate + -ism; ultimately from Latin cōnservāre (“to conserve; to keep, guard, observe”).
Questions about saying conservatism
How do you pronounce conservatism?
Say kun-SUR-vuh-tiz-um. The American pronunciation is /kənˈsɝvəˌtɪzəm/. In British English it is /kənˈsɜːvətɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in conservatism?
Conservatism has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR). Broken into parts: kun · SUR · vuh · tiz · um.
Is conservatism 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 /kənˈsɜːvətɪzəm/ (kun-SUR-vuh-tih-zum).