How to Pronounce “exacerbate”

American (US)

/ɪɡˈzæsɚˌbeɪt/

British (UK)

/ɪɡˈzæsəˌbeɪt/

verb — To make worse (a problem, bad situation, negative feeling, etc.).

Example: The proposed shutdown would exacerbate unemployment problems.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ɪɡˈzæsɚˌbeɪt/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “exacerbate” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “exacerbate” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɪɡˈzæsɚˌbeɪt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

What does "exacerbate" mean?

exacerbate (verb): To make worse (a problem, bad situation, negative feeling, etc.). For example — The proposed shutdown would exacerbate unemployment problems.

How do you pronounce "exacerbate" in American vs British English?

American English: /ɪɡˈzæsɚˌbeɪt/. British English: /ɪɡˈzæsəˌbeɪt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "exacerbate"?

/ɪɡˈzæsɚˌbeɪt/ in American English, /ɪɡˈzæsəˌbeɪt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "exacerbate"?

“exacerbate” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɪɡˈzæsɚˌbeɪt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.