How to pronounce penalize
Say it like PEE-nuh-lyze. Penalize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce penalize. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PEE
- nuh
- lyze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Penalize pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- nuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lyzeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of penalize
American and British speakers say penalize in essentially the same way: /ˈpinəlaɪz/ in the US and /ˈpiːnəlaɪz/ in the UK.
British respelling: PEE-nuh-lyze.
What does penalize mean?
- To subject to a penalty, especially for the infringement of a rule or regulation.
- To impose a handicap on.
Where does penalize come from?
From penal + -ize.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying penalize
How do you pronounce penalize?
Say PEE-nuh-lyze. The American pronunciation is /ˈpinəlaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈpiːnəlaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in penalize?
Penalize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEE). Broken into parts: PEE · nuh · lyze.
Do Americans and Brits say penalize the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpinəlaɪz/ and the British form is /ˈpiːnəlaɪz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.