How to pronounce decompose
Say it like dee-kum-POHZ. Decompose has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (POHZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce decompose. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dee
- kum
- POHZ
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Decompose pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- deeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- kumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- POHZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of decompose
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: dee-kum-POHZ.
What does decompose mean?
- To separate or break down (something) into its components.“Various fungi can decompose wood.”
- To rot, decay or putrefy.“Plastics can take centuries to decompose.”
Where does decompose come from?
Borrowed from Middle French décomposer.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with decompose
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of decompose.
Questions about saying decompose
How do you pronounce decompose?
Say dee-kum-POHZ. The American pronunciation is /ˌdikəmˈpoʊz/. In British English it is /ˌdiːkəmˈpəʊz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in decompose?
Decompose has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (POHZ). Broken into parts: dee · kum · POHZ.
Is decompose pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˌdiːkəmˈpəʊz/ (dee-kum-POHZ).