How to pronounce percolate
Say it like PUR-kuh-layt. Percolate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR).
- PUR
- kuh
- layt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Percolate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- laytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of percolate
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUR-kuh-layt.
What does percolate mean?
- To pass a liquid through a porous substance; to filter.
- To drain or seep through a porous substance.“Water percolates through sand.”
- To make (coffee) in a percolator.“I'll percolate some coffee.”
- A liquid that has been percolated.
Where does percolate come from?
Borrowed from Latin percōlātus, perfect passive participle of percōlō (“to filter”), itself, from per (“through”) + cōlō (“to strain”) (from cōlum (“a strainer”), of unknown origin); see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (noun-forming suffix).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying percolate
How do you pronounce percolate?
Say PUR-kuh-layt. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɝkəˌleɪt/. In British English it is /ˈpɜːkəleɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in percolate?
Percolate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR). Broken into parts: PUR · kuh · layt.
Is percolate 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 /ˈpɜːkəleɪt/ (PUR-kuh-layt).