How to pronounce "realize"

realize

Verb
American
/ˈriːəˌlaɪz/

Syllable Breakdown

re al ize

How natives say realize

British
/ˈrɪəˌlaɪz/

Syllable Breakdown

re al ize

How natives say realize

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'ree' like in 'tree'.

  • Add a schwa sound for the middle syllable: 'uh'.

  • End with 'lize', where 'i' sounds like 'eye'.

Common Mistakes

  • real-ize instead of re-al-ize

  • re-el-ize

  • ree-li-ze

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with a short 'ri' instead of 'ree'.

  • Add a schwa sound for the middle syllable: 'uh'.

  • End with 'lize', where 'i' sounds like 'eye'.

common mistakes

  • reel-ize

  • realize with stress on the wrong syllable

  • re-lize

FAQ

Why does 'realize' sound like it has three parts?

The word is broken into three syllables: re-al-ize.

Is the 'a' in 'realize' pronounced?

Yes, it is part of the second syllable, sounding like 'uh'.

How is the 'i' in 'realize' pronounced?

The 'i' is pronounced like 'eye'.

Definition

realize

To understand or become aware of something.

Word Family

realization

/ˌriːəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/

noun

The act of realizing.

Example: The realization was sudden.

real

/riːl/

adjective

Existing in fact; not imaginary.

Example: This is not a real gun.

reality

/riˈæləti/

noun

The state of things as they are.

Example: She faced the reality of the situation.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Realize has three syllables, realization has more.

Real ends differently, focusing on the long 'e'.

Reality uses different vowel sounds focusing on 'æ'.

Pro Tips

Practice the 'eye' sound

Remember the last syllable is 'lize', pronounced like 'eyes'.

Listen to native speakers

Compare American and British pronunciations by watching videos.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Realize

agenda

/əˈdʒɛn.də/

amend

/əˈmɛnd/

anniversary

/ˌænɪˈvɜrsəri/

attend

/əˈtɛnd/

authorize

/ˈɔθəˌraɪz/

beforehand

/bɪˈfɔːrhænd/

center

/ˈsɛn.tɚ/

chronicle

/ˈkrɑːnɪkl̩/

Other Categories

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