How to pronounce proliferate
Say it like proh-LIF-uh-rayt. Proliferate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LIF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce proliferate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- proh
- LIF
- uh
- rayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Proliferate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- prohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- LIFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- raytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of proliferate
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: proh-LIF-uh-rayt.
What does proliferate mean?
- To increase in number or spread rapidly; to multiply.“The flowers proliferated rapidly all spring.”
Where does proliferate come from?
Back-formation from proliferation.
Questions about saying proliferate
How do you pronounce proliferate?
Say proh-LIF-uh-rayt. The American pronunciation is /proʊˈlɪfəˌreɪt/. In British English it is /prəʊˈlɪfəˌreɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in proliferate?
Proliferate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LIF). Broken into parts: proh · LIF · uh · rayt.
Is proliferate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /prəʊˈlɪfəˌreɪt/ (proh-LIF-uh-rayt).