2 syllables: Col, lide. Stress on lide.
kuh-LEYED
/kəˈlaɪd/
Collide is pronounced kuh-LEYED (/kəˈlaɪd/). It has two syllables (Col-lide), with the stress on "lide". Collide is a verb meaning to come into forceful contact or to crash together, often unexpectedly. It can also describe ideas, opinions, or bodies that meet or clash in a disruptive way. The term emphasizes the moment of impact or collision, whether literal (objects) or figurative (opposing forces).
verbCollide is a verb meaning to come into forceful contact or to crash together, often unexpectedly. It can also describe ideas, opinions, or bodies that meet or clash in a disruptive way. The term emphasizes the moment of impact or collision, whether literal (objects) or figurative (opposing forces).
- Common pitfalls: 1) Underpronouncing the second syllable’s vowel: replace a quick /i/ with the longer /aɪ/; 2) Dropping the unstressed first syllable vowel into a full position (k-ə-lide vs. /ˈkɒlaɪd/); 3) Slurring the final /d/ into a /t/ or /dʒ/.
How to Pronounce Collide
"The two cars will collide at the intersection if they don’t slow down."
"During the debate, their views collided, leading to a heated exchange."
"The asteroid could collide with Earth if its trajectory shifts."
Pronounce as kə-ˈlīd. The first syllable is unstressed (schwa /ə/), and the second syllable carries primary stress. The vowel in the second syllable is a long /iː/ as in 'we' or 'see.' Tip: start with a relaxed jaw, then quickly raise the body of the tongue to high front position for /iː/. IPA: US kəˈliːd, UK kə-ˈlaɪd depending on accent; many speakers align with /ˈkɒlaɪd/ in some dialects? No—standard is /kəˈlaɪd/ for UK; ensure the second syllable is a pure long /iː/ or /aɪ/ depending on dialect. Audio reference: refer to pronunciations in Pronounce or Cambridge dictionary.",
Common errors: 1) Using a lax /ɪ/ or short /ɪ/ in the second syllable: switch to a clear /iː/ or /aɪ/ quality. 2) Dropping the stress marker: misplacing primary stress on the first syllable leads to /ˈkɒlaɪd/ rather than /kəˈlaɪd/. 3) Overpronouncing the first syllable vowel as a full /o/ or /ɔ/ — keep it as a reduced /ə/. Corrective tip: practice the sequence ‘kə’ then hold the mouth open for the front high vowel in the second syllable, not a tucked or rounded vowel.",
In US English, /kəˈlaɪd/ with a rhotic schwa in the first syllable and a clear diphthong in the second syllable. UK English often features /kəˈlaɪd/ as well, with less rhoticity on the first syllable depending on region; the second syllable remains /aɪ/. Australian English similarly uses /kəˈlaɪd/ but may have slightly reduced vowel quality and faster rhythm in casual speech. Overall, the big difference is rhythm and vowel length; all share the /laɪ/ nucleus in the stressed syllable. IPA guidance: US /kəˈlaɪd/, UK /kəˈlaɪd/, AU /kəˈlaɪd/.”,
The challenge lies in the second syllable’s vowel quality and the final /d/ articulation after a long diphthong /aɪ/. You produce /laɪ/ with an elevated tongue and a slight glide; then you must switch quickly to a clear alveolar /d/. Some learners also try to reduce /laɪ/ to /lɪ/ or misplace stress. Focus on maintaining a crisp /ˈlaɪd/ for the second syllable, with the primary stress and the alveolar closure for /d/ without voicing letdown. IPA: /kəˈlaɪd/.
Collide uniquely uses a VB form with a stress on the second syllable and long /aɪ/ vowel in that syllable. Unlike similar forms, the root’s -lide is pronounced with a high front vowel quality rather than a mid or low vowel. You should avoid collapsing the /aɪ/ into a shorter /a/ or /ɪ/ and ensure the final /d/ is released crisply. IPA: /kəˈlaɪd/.
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- US: rhoticity on the /ə/ of the first syllable is common; keep the tongue relaxed, lips neutral. Vowel in second syllable should be pure /aɪ/; avoid centralization. - UK: maintain non-rhoticity; second syllable /laɪd/ with clear onset. - AU: similar to US but faster tempo; keep /aɪ/ bright and avoid vowel merging with /j/ in casual speech.
Collide derives from the Latin collidere, from com- (together) + laedere (to strike, wound). The form was adopted into English by way of Old French conflitier or similar forms, with early senses focusing on striking together. By Middle English, collide appeared in figurative and physical senses, often describing bodies that come into contact with force. The root laedere evolved into several English words (collide, collision, collusive) preserving the central idea of striking or clashing. The pronunciation shifted over time toward a two-syllable verb with secondary stress on -lide, reflecting typical English stress patterns for words ending in -lide. First known uses appear in philosophical or scientific discussions about motion and impact, then in more common usage as technology and transportation increased opportunities for literal collisions. Today, collide encompasses both literal crashes and metaphorical clashes of ideas, making it a versatile term across contexts.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Collide" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Collide" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Collide" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Collide"
-ide sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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