How to pronounce constipate
Say it like KAHN-stuh-payt. Constipate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN).
- KAHN
- stuh
- payt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Constipate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- stuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- paytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of constipate
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KON-stih-payt.
What does constipate mean?
- To cause constipation in, render costive.“The medication can constipate you if you’re not drinking enough water.”
Where does constipate come from?
The adjective is first attested circa 1425, in Middle English, the verb in 1541; inherited from Middle English constipat(e) (“constipated”), borrowed Medieval Latin cōnstīpātus (“constipated”) (or through its Old French equivalent constipé)
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying constipate
How do you pronounce constipate?
Say KAHN-stuh-payt. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑnstəˌpeɪt/. In British English it is /ˈkɒnstɪˌpeɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in constipate?
Constipate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN). Broken into parts: KAHN · stuh · payt.
Is constipate 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 /ˈkɒnstɪˌpeɪt/ (KON-stih-payt).