How to pronounce temporize
Say it like TEM-puh-ryze. Temporize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce temporize. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TEM
- puh
- ryze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Temporize pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ryzeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of temporize
American and British speakers say temporize in essentially the same way: /ˈtɛmpəˌraɪz/ in the US and /ˈtɛmpəraɪz/ in the UK.
British respelling: TEM-puh-ryze.
What does temporize mean?
- To deliberately act evasively or prolong a discussion in order to gain time or postpone a decision, sometimes so that a compromise can be reached or simply to make a conversation more temperate; to stall for time.
- To discuss, to negotiate; to reach a compromise.
- To apply a temporary piece of dental work that will later be removed.
Where does temporize come from?
From Middle French temporiser (“to wait one's time, temporize”) + English -ize (suffix forming verbs).
Questions about saying temporize
How do you pronounce temporize?
Say TEM-puh-ryze. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɛmpəˌraɪz/. In British English it is /ˈtɛmpəraɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in temporize?
Temporize has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEM). Broken into parts: TEM · puh · ryze.
Do Americans and Brits say temporize the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈtɛmpəˌraɪz/ and the British form is /ˈtɛmpəraɪz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.