How to pronounce legalize
Say it like LEE-guh-lyze. Legalize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce legalize. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LEE
- guh
- lyze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Legalize pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- guhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lyzeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of legalize
American and British speakers say legalize in essentially the same way: /ˈliɡəˌlaɪz/ in the US and /ˈliːɡəˌlaɪz/ in the UK.
British respelling: LEE-guh-lyze.
What does legalize mean?
- To make legal or permit under law. Either by decriminalising something that has been illegal or by specifically permitting it.“There is a debate whether or not to legalize some of the softer drugs.”
Where does legalize come from?
From legal + -ize. Piecewise doublet of loyalize.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying legalize
How do you pronounce legalize?
Say LEE-guh-lyze. The American pronunciation is /ˈliɡəˌlaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈliːɡəˌlaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in legalize?
Legalize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEE). Broken into parts: LEE · guh · lyze.
Do Americans and Brits say legalize the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈliɡəˌlaɪz/ and the British form is /ˈliːɡəˌlaɪz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.