How to pronounce fornicate
Say it like FOR-nih-kayt. Fornicate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce fornicate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FOR
- nih
- kayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Fornicate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- nihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kaytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of fornicate
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FAW-nih-kayt.
What does fornicate mean?
- To engage in fornication.
- Shaped like an arch or vault; resembling a fornix.
Where does fornicate come from?
First attested in 1552; borrowed from Latin fornicātus, perfect active participle of fornicor (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from fornix (“arch, vault; brothel”).
Questions about saying fornicate
How do you pronounce fornicate?
Say FOR-nih-kayt. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɔrnɪˌkeɪt/. In British English it is /ˈfɔːnɪˌkeɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in fornicate?
Fornicate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR). Broken into parts: FOR · nih · kayt.
Is fornicate 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 /ˈfɔːnɪˌkeɪt/ (FAW-nih-kayt).