How to pronounce decimation
Say it like DES-uh-may-shun. Decimation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DES).
- DES
- uh
- may
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Decimation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- mayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of decimation
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3.
British respelling: des-ih-MAY-shun.
What does decimation mean?
- The killing or punishment of every tenth person, usually by lot.
- The killing or destruction of any large portion of a population.
- A tithe or the act of tithing.
Where does decimation come from?
Borrowed from Latin decimātiō, a punishment where every 10th man in a unit would be stoned to death by the men who were spared.
Questions about saying decimation
How do you pronounce decimation?
Say DES-uh-may-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛsəˌmeɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌdɛsɪˈmeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in decimation?
Decimation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DES). Broken into parts: DES · uh · may · shun.
Is decimation pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3. The British form is /ˌdɛsɪˈmeɪʃən/ (des-ih-MAY-shun).