English pronunciation · Words Starting with B
Basilica Pronunciation
Basilica is pronounced buh-SI-li-kuh, IPA /bəˈsɪlɪkə/.
buh-SI-li-kuh
US /bəˈsɪlɪkə/ · UK /bæˈzɪlɪkə/
Syllables: buh · SI · li · kuh (4 syllables, stress on syllable 2)
noun: A large church built on an ancient Roman plan, or one given special rank by the pope.
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Basilica in a Sentence
- The basilica took three centuries to finish.
- We queued outside the basilica for an hour.
- A mosaic floor runs the length of the basilica.
Common Mispronunciations of Basilica
Not BA-si-li-kuh
Umbrella and gorilla carry their weight on the second beat, and this word carries it there as well.
Not buh-si-LEE-kuh
SI in second place is the loud one, and the two beats behind it run away quickly.
Tip: British dictionaries buzz that s into a z, buh-ZI-li-kuh, where American ones hiss it. The Greek root means royal house.
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