How to Pronounce Decimate

To pronounce "decimate", say DEC-im-at-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ˈdɛ.sɪ.meɪt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

decimate

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Accent

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4

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˈdɛ.sɪ.meɪt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “decimate”

"decimate" has 4 syllables: dec-im-at-e. It rhymes with elucidate and articulate, if that helps it stick.

What does decimate mean?

noun

  1. A tithe or other 10% tax or payment.
  2. A tenth of something.

verb

  1. To kill one-tenth of a group, (specifically) as a military punishment in the Roman army selected by lot, usually carried out by the surviving soldiers.
  2. To destroy or remove one-tenth of anything.

Synonyms

decimalizetithedevastate

Words that rhyme with decimate

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

elucidatearticulatedesolatefacilitateprofligateexplicatedeliberatedelineateruminateinnatecultivatestate

Related words

eliminateannihilateeradicateextinguishreducedevastatedestroyruin

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "decimate"?▾

"Decimate" has 4 syllables: dec · im · at · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "decimate"?▾

The IPA transcription of "decimate" is /ˈdɛ.sɪ.meɪt/.

What does "decimate" mean?▾

Decimate: A tithe or other 10% tax or payment.

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