How to pronounce socialism
Say it like SOH-shuh-liz-um. Socialism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce socialism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SOH
- shuh
- liz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Socialism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- shuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lizGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of socialism
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: SOH-shuh-liz-um.
What does socialism mean?
- a political theory advocating state ownership of industry
- an economic system based on state ownership of capital
Where does socialism come from?
Attested since 1832; either from French socialisme or from social + -ism.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying socialism
How do you pronounce socialism?
Say SOH-shuh-liz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈsoʊʃəˌlɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈsəʊʃəˌlɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in socialism?
Socialism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SOH). Broken into parts: SOH · shuh · liz · um.
Is socialism 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 /ˈsəʊʃəˌlɪzəm/ (SOH-shuh-liz-um).