How to pronounce populate
Say it like PAH-pyuh-layt. Populate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAH).
- PAH
- pyuh
- layt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Populate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- pyuhKeep 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 populate
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: POP-yuu-layt.
What does populate mean?
- To supply with inhabitants; to people.
- To live in; to inhabit.
- To increase in number; to breed.
Where does populate come from?
Borrowed from Medieval Latin populātus, past participle of populor (“populate”), from Latin populus (“people”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying populate
How do you pronounce populate?
Say PAH-pyuh-layt. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɑpjəˌleɪt/. In British English it is /ˈpɒpjʊˌleɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in populate?
Populate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAH). Broken into parts: PAH · pyuh · layt.
Is populate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈpɒpjʊˌleɪt/ (POP-yuu-layt).