how to pronounce pontificate

/pɒnˈtɪf.ɪ.kɛɪt/

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the above transcription of pontificate is a detailed (narrow) transcription according to the rules of the International Phonetic Association; you can find a description of each symbol by clicking the phoneme buttons in the secction below.

pontificate is pronounced in four syllables

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4. example pitch curve for pronunciation of pontificate

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video examples of pontificate pronunciation

An example use of pontificate in a speech by a native speaker of british english:

“… Clement the sick for his pontificate he …”

meanings of pontificate

verb:

To preside as a bishop, especially at mass.
To act like a pontiff; to express one's position or opinions dogmatically and pompously as if they were absolutely correct.
To speak in a patronizing, supercilious or pompous manner, especially at length.

noun:

The status or term of office of a pontiff or pontifex.

pontificate frequency in english - C2+ level of CEFR

the word pontificate occurs in english on average 0.8 times per one million words; this frequency warrants it to be in the study list for C2+ level of language mastery according to CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference.