How to pronounce symbolism
Say it like SIM-buh-liz-um. Symbolism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce symbolism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SIM
- buh
- liz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Symbolism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SIMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- buhKeep 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 symbolism
American and British speakers say symbolism in essentially the same way: /ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm/ in the US and /ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: SIM-buh-liz-um.
What does symbolism mean?
- Representation of a concept through symbols or underlying meanings of objects or qualities.
- An art movement originating in late 19th-century France and Belgium, seeking to represent absolute truths symbolically through language and metaphorical images, mainly as a reaction against naturalism and realism.
Where does symbolism come from?
From symbol + -ism, sense 2 being a semantic loan from French symbolisme.
Questions about saying symbolism
How do you pronounce symbolism?
Say SIM-buh-liz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in symbolism?
Symbolism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIM). Broken into parts: SIM · buh · liz · um.
Do Americans and Brits say symbolism the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm/ and the British form is /ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.