How to pronounce criticize
Say it like KRIT-ih-syze. Criticize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KRIT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce criticize. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KRIT
- ih
- syze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Criticize pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KRITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- syzeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of criticize
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KRIT-ih-syze.
What does criticize mean?
- find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws“The paper criticized the new movie”“Don't knock the food--it's free”
- act as a critic“Those who criticize others often are not perfect, either”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- knock
- criticise
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with criticize
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of criticize.
Questions about saying criticize
How do you pronounce criticize?
Say KRIT-ih-syze. The American pronunciation is /ˈkrɪtɪˌsaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈkrɪtɪˌsaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in criticize?
Criticize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KRIT). Broken into parts: KRIT · ih · syze.
Is criticize pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈkrɪtɪˌsaɪz/ (KRIT-ih-syze).