How to pronounce imperate
Say it like IM-per-ayt. Imperate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce imperate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- IM
- per
- ayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Imperate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- IMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- aytKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of imperate
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: IM-puh-rayt.
What does imperate mean?
- To command.
- To rule, govern.
- To direct, motivate.
- Done by express direction; not involuntary; commanded.“imperate acts; imperate actions”
Where does imperate come from?
First attested in 1543, as an adjective, as a verb in 1598; borrowed from Latin imperātus, perfect passive participle of imperō (“to command”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix).
Questions about saying imperate
How do you pronounce imperate?
Say IM-per-ayt. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪmpɚeɪt/. In British English it is /ˈɪmpəreɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in imperate?
Imperate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IM). Broken into parts: IM · per · ayt.
Is imperate 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 /ˈɪmpəreɪt/ (IM-puh-rayt).