How to pronounce palpitate
Say it like PAL-puh-tayt. Palpitate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce palpitate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PAL
- puh
- tayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Palpitate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- taytKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of palpitate
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: PAL-puh-tayt.
What does palpitate mean?
- To beat strongly or rapidly; said especially of the heart.“When he just looks at me, my heart begins to palpitate with excitement.”
- To cause to beat strongly or rapidly.“The allergy medicine palpitates my heart.”
- To shake tremulously
Where does palpitate come from?
Borrowed from Latin palpitō, palpitātus (“throb, pulsate, palpitate”).
Questions about saying palpitate
How do you pronounce palpitate?
Say PAL-puh-tayt. The American pronunciation is /ˈpælpəteɪt/. In British English it is /ˈpælpəteɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in palpitate?
Palpitate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAL). Broken into parts: PAL · puh · tayt.
Is palpitate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈpælpəteɪt/ (PAL-puh-tayt).