How to pronounce ism
Say it like IZ-um. Ism has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- IZ
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- IZSay this part loudest and longest. 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 ism
American and British speakers say ism in essentially the same way: /ˈɪzəm/ in the US and /ˈɪzəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: IZ-um.
What does ism mean?
- An ideology, system of thought, or practice that can be described by a word ending in -ism.
- A form of discrimination, such as racism or sexism.
Where does ism come from?
From the suffix -ism (“belief”), particularly (in the 19th century) in the sense of "social movement".
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying ism
How do you pronounce ism?
Say IZ-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ism?
Ism has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IZ). Broken into parts: IZ · um.
Do Americans and Brits say ism the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɪzəm/ and the British form is /ˈɪzəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.