How to pronounce decolonize
Say it like dee-KOL-uh-nyze. Decolonize has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KOL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce decolonize. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dee
- KOL
- uh
- nyze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Decolonize pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- deeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- 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 decolonize
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: dee-KOL-uh-nyze.
What does decolonize mean?
- To release from the status of colony; to allow a colony to become independent.
- To reverse the colonization of, i.e. to grant back autonomy to a group.
Where does decolonize come from?
From de- + colonize.
Words that rhyme with decolonize
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of decolonize.
Questions about saying decolonize
How do you pronounce decolonize?
Say dee-KOL-uh-nyze. The American pronunciation is /diˈkɑlənaɪz/. In British English it is /diːˈkɒlənaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in decolonize?
Decolonize has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KOL). Broken into parts: dee · KOL · uh · nyze.
Is decolonize 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 /diːˈkɒlənaɪz/ (dee-KOL-uh-nyze).