How to pronounce symbolize
Say it like SIM-buh-lyze. Symbolize has three 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 symbolize. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SIM
- buh
- lyze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Symbolize 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.
- lyzeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of symbolize
American and British speakers say symbolize in essentially the same way: /ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪz/ in the US and /ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪz/ in the UK.
British respelling: SIM-buh-lyze.
What does symbolize mean?
- To be symbolic of; to represent.“Doves often symbolize peace.”
- To use symbols; to represent ideas symbolically.
- To convert something into a symbol.
Where does symbolize come from?
From Middle French symbolizer.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying symbolize
How do you pronounce symbolize?
Say SIM-buh-lyze. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in symbolize?
Symbolize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIM). Broken into parts: SIM · buh · lyze.
Do Americans and Brits say symbolize the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪz/ and the British form is /ˈsɪmbəˌlaɪz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.