How to pronounce impose
Say it like im-POHZ. Impose has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (POHZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce impose. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- POHZ
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Impose pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- imGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- POHZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of impose
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: im-POHZ.
What does impose mean?
- compel to behave in a certain way“Social relations impose courtesy”“duty constrains one to act often contrary to one's desires or inclinations”
- impose something unpleasant“The principal visited his rage on the students”
- impose and collect“levy a fine”
Where does impose come from?
The noun is derived from the verb.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with impose
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of impose.
Questions about saying impose
How do you pronounce impose?
Say im-POHZ. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪmˈpoʊz/. In British English it is /ɪmˈpəʊz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in impose?
Impose has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (POHZ). Broken into parts: im · POHZ.
Is impose pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ɪmˈpəʊz/ (im-POHZ).