How to pronounce delirate
Say it like DEL-ih-rayt. Delirate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce delirate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DEL
- ih
- rayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Delirate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- raytKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of delirate
American and British speakers say delirate in essentially the same way: /ˈdɛlɪreɪt/ in the US and /ˈdɛlɪreɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: DEL-ih-rayt.
What does delirate mean?
- To act, speak or reason in a manner thought insane, to be affected or characterized by delirium; to rave.
Where does delirate come from?
First attested in 1623; borrowed from Latin dēlīrātus, perfect passive participle of dēlīrō, see -ate (verb-forming suffix).
Questions about saying delirate
How do you pronounce delirate?
Say DEL-ih-rayt. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛlɪreɪt/. In British English it is /ˈdɛlɪreɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in delirate?
Delirate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEL). Broken into parts: DEL · ih · rayt.
Do Americans and Brits say delirate the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɛlɪreɪt/ and the British form is /ˈdɛlɪreɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.