How to pronounce despotism
Say it like DES-puh-tiz-um. Despotism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce despotism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DES
- puh
- tiz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Despotism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tizGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of despotism
American and British speakers say despotism in essentially the same way: /ˈdɛspəˌtɪzəm/ in the US and /ˈdɛspəˌtɪzəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: DES-puh-tiz-um.
What does despotism mean?
- Government by a despot or despots: rule by a singular authority, either a single person or a tight-knit group, which rules with absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way.
Where does despotism come from?
From French despotisme; equivalent to despot + -ism.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying despotism
How do you pronounce despotism?
Say DES-puh-tiz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛspəˌtɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈdɛspəˌtɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in despotism?
Despotism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DES). Broken into parts: DES · puh · tiz · um.
Do Americans and Brits say despotism the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɛspəˌtɪzəm/ and the British form is /ˈdɛspəˌtɪzəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.