How do you pronounce "characterize"?

In American English: /ˈkɛrɪktɝˌaɪz/ (KEHR-ikt-ur-eyez). In British English: /kˈæɹɪktəɹˌaɪz/ (K-ar-ikt-uhr). In Canadian English: /ˈkɛrɪktɝˌaɪz/ (KEHR-ikt-ur-eyez). In Australian English: /kˈaɹɪktəɹˌaɪz/ (K-ar-ikt).

Is "characterize" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈkɛrɪktɝˌaɪz/ (KEHR-ikt-ur-eyez), while in British English it's /kˈæɹɪktəɹˌaɪz/ (K-ar-ikt-uhr).

How to Pronounce "characterize"

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characterize

regional

/ˈkɛrɪktɝˌaɪz/

KEHR-ikt-ur-eyez

Syllable Breakdown

kɛrchar·ɪktac·ɝter·aɪzize

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14