How to pronounce demarcation
Say it like dem-ar-KAY-shun. Demarcation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce demarcation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dem
- ar
- KAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Demarcation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- demGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- arKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- KAYSay this part loudest and longest. 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 demarcation
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: dem-ah-KAY-shun.
What does demarcation mean?
- The act of marking off a boundary or setting a limit, notably by belligerents signing a treaty or ceasefire.
- A limit thus fixed, in full demarcation line.
- Any strictly defined separation.“There is an alleged, in fact somewhat artificial demarcation in the type of work done by members of different trade unions.”
Where does demarcation come from?
First recorded c.1752, from Spanish línea de demarcación and/or Portuguese linha de demarcação, the demarcation line laid down by the Pope on May 4, 1493, dividing the New World between Spain and Portugal on a line 100 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with demarcation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of demarcation.
Questions about saying demarcation
How do you pronounce demarcation?
Say dem-ar-KAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌdɛmɑrˈkeɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌdɛmɑːˈkeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in demarcation?
Demarcation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KAY). Broken into parts: dem · ar · KAY · shun.
Is demarcation pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌdɛmɑːˈkeɪʃən/ (dem-ah-KAY-shun).