How to pronounce decomposition
Say it like dee-kum-poh-ZISH-un. Decomposition has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (ZISH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce decomposition. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dee
- kum
- poh
- ZISH
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Decomposition 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.
- pohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- ZISHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of decomposition
American and British speakers say decomposition in essentially the same way: /ˌdikəmpoʊˈzɪʃən/ in the US and /diːˌkɒmpəˈzɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: dee-kom-puh-ZISH-un.
What does decomposition mean?
- A biological process through which organic material is reduced to e.g. compost.
- The act of taking something apart, e.g. for analysis.
- The splitting (of e.g. a matrix, an atom, or a compound) into constituent parts.
Where does decomposition come from?
From de- + composition.
Words that rhyme with decomposition
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of decomposition.
Questions about saying decomposition
How do you pronounce decomposition?
Say dee-kum-poh-ZISH-un. The American pronunciation is /ˌdikəmpoʊˈzɪʃən/. In British English it is /diːˌkɒmpəˈzɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in decomposition?
Decomposition has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (ZISH). Broken into parts: dee · kum · poh · ZISH · un.
Do Americans and Brits say decomposition the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌdikəmpoʊˈzɪʃən/ and the British form is /diːˌkɒmpəˈzɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.