How to pronounce minimize
Say it like MIN-uh-myze. Minimize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce minimize. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MIN
- uh
- myze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Minimize pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- myzeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of minimize
American and British speakers say minimize in essentially the same way: /ˈmɪnəˌmaɪz/ in the US and /ˈmɪnɪˌmaɪz/ in the UK.
British respelling: MIN-ih-myze.
What does minimize mean?
- make small or insignificant“Let's minimize the risk”
- represent as less significant or important
- cause to seem less serious; play down“Don't belittle his influence”
Where does minimize come from?
From Latin minimus + -ize.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- minimise
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying minimize
How do you pronounce minimize?
Say MIN-uh-myze. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɪnəˌmaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈmɪnɪˌmaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in minimize?
Minimize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MIN). Broken into parts: MIN · uh · myze.
Do Americans and Brits say minimize the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmɪnəˌmaɪz/ and the British form is /ˈmɪnɪˌmaɪz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.