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How to pronounce "communism"

communism

Noun
American
/ˈkɑː.mjuːˌnɪz.əm/

Syllable Breakdown

com mu nism

How natives say communism

British
/ˈkɒm.juːˌnɪz.əm/

Syllable Breakdown

com mu nism

How natives say communism

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'com', like 'come' but with a short 'o'.

  • Say 'mu' as in 'music', with a clear 'yoo' sound.

  • End with 'nism', pronounced 'niz-um' with a short 'i'.

Common Mistakes

  • 'co-mun-ism' (missing 'yoo')

  • 'com-yoo-niz-um' (extra syllable)

  • 'com-nizm' (missing syllables)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'com', similar to 'come' but with a short 'o' as in 'pot'.

  • Say 'mu' as in 'music', with a pronounced 'yoo' sound.

  • End with 'nism', pronounced 'niz-um' with a short 'i'.

common mistakes

  • same as American

FAQ

Why is the 'yoo' sound important?

It distinguishes 'mu' from 'mo' and ensures clarity.

Is the stress different in British and American English?

No, both stress 'com' and have a secondary stress on 'niz'.

What is a common error with the ending '-nism'?

People often pronounce it as '-ism' instead of '-niz-um'.

Definition

communism

A political system where all property is public.

Word Family

communist

/ˈkɑː.mjuː.nɪst/

noun

A person who supports communism

Example: He is a communist.

community

/kəˈmjuː.nə.ti/

noun

A group of people living together

Example: They live in a community.

commune

/ˈkɒm.juːn/

noun

A group living together and sharing resources

Example: They formed a commune.

Key Pronunciation Differences

'communist' uses 'nist' instead of 'nism'

'community' has more syllables and no ending 'ism'

'commune' ends with a long 'une', no 'nism'

Pro Tips

Practice the 'mu' syllable

Make sure 'mu' sounds like 'music' with a clear 'yoo'.

Watch the mouth shape

Round your lips slightly for the 'u' sound in 'mu'.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Communism

advocacy

[ˈædvəkəsi]

alley

/ˈæ.li/

associate

/əˈsoʊʃiˌeɪt/

charitable

/ˈtʃær.ɪ.tə.bəl/

charity

/ˈtʃær.ɪ.ti/

citizen

/ˈsɪtɪzən/

city

/ˈsɪti/

civic

/ˈsɪvɪk/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

adjoin

abroad

ability

agenda