How to pronounce paternalism
Say it like puh-TUR-nuh-lih-zum. Paternalism has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce paternalism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- puh
- TUR
- nuh
- lih
- zum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Paternalism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- nuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- zumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of paternalism
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: puh-TUR-nuh-lih-zum.
What does paternalism mean?
- The treatment of people in a fatherly manner, especially by caring for them and sometimes being stern with them.
- The guiding of people in a manner that limits their autonomy in the name of their own well-being.
Where does paternalism come from?
From paternal + -ism.
Words that rhyme with paternalism
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of paternalism.
Questions about saying paternalism
How do you pronounce paternalism?
Say puh-TUR-nuh-lih-zum. The American pronunciation is /pəˈtɝnəlɪzəm/. In British English it is /pəˈtɜːnəlɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in paternalism?
Paternalism has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR). Broken into parts: puh · TUR · nuh · lih · zum.
Is paternalism pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /pəˈtɜːnəlɪzəm/ (puh-TUR-nuh-lih-zum).