3 syllables: Pu, li, tzer Prize. Stress on Pu.
PYOO-lit-ur-preyez
/ˈpjuːlɪtɚ praɪz/
Pulitzer Prize is pronounced PYOO-lit-ur-preyez (/ˈpjuːlɪtɚ praɪz/). It has three syllables (Pu-li-tzer Prize), with the stress on "Pu". The Pulitzer Prize is a prestigious American award given for excellence in journalism, literature, and musical composition. It honors outstanding achievement across several categories and is named after Joseph Pulitzer, a 19th‑century publisher who endowed the prize. The term combines the surname Pulitzer with “Prize,” pronounced as a two‑word proper noun.
nounThe Pulitzer Prize is a prestigious American award given for excellence in journalism, literature, and musical composition. It honors outstanding achievement across several categories and is named after Joseph Pulitzer, a 19th‑century publisher who endowed the prize. The term combines the surname Pulitzer with “Prize,” pronounced as a two‑word proper noun.
How to Pronounce Pulitzer Prize
"The Pulitzer Prize often elevates winners to national prominence."
"She won the Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting in 2020."
"Many American newspapers refer to the Pulitzer Prize as a benchmark of journalistic integrity."
Pronunciation: /ˈpʊlɪtsər/ /praɪz/ (US). Stress is on the first syllable of Pulitzer: PUH-lits-er. The word Prize is a single syllable, rhyming with “eyes.” Start with a short, rounded /ʊ/ in PUH, then tip the tongue to a schwa-like /ɪ/ in -lit-, finishing with /sər/ where /r/ is pronounced. Audio reference: common online dictionaries provide native audio for both parts; you’ll notice the second syllable is lighter, and the final -er is reduced in connected speech.
Common mistakes include: 1) Misplacing stress on the second syllable of Pulitzer (say PUH-lee-terr instead of PUH-lits-er). Correction: keep stress on the first syllable: PUH-lits-er. 2) Slurring /ts/ in Pulitzer with a long /t/ or /s/; deliver /tsɚ/ quickly and clearly: /ˈpʊlɪtsər/. 3) Pronouncing Prize as /praɪz/ when connected to Pulitzer with an/ə/ or /ɪ/ in between; ensure the sequence is two words with natural pause.” ,
Across accents, the Pulitzer part remains largely stable: US /ˈpʊlɪtsər/ with rhotic /r/, UK often renders Pulitzer closer to /ˈpjuːlɪstə/ or /ˈpjuːlɪtsə/ with nonrhotic /r/ or a weak /ə/. In Australia, you may hear /ˈpjuːlɪstə/ or /ˈpʊlɪtsə/ depending on speaker. The Prize part rents to /praɪz/ in all regions, rhyming with “eyes.” The main variance is the final /r/ and vowel quality in the first syllable, plus the presence of linking or non-linking in connected speech.
Two challenges stand out: the cluster /lɪts/ after /ˈpu/ can cause consonant blending, and the /ts/ sequence in Pulitzer often leads to mis-merge or vowel reduction. The two‑word sequence requires careful rhythm: a clear first syllable stress on Pulitzer and a lighter, clipped final in Prize. Additionally, the r-colored ending /ər/ in American English can be softened in rapid speech, making it resemble /ə/ or /ɚ/. Practice by isolating /ˈpʊlɪtsər/ and then linking to /praɪz/ with a brief pause.
A key detail is maintaining a distinct boundary between the two words: Pulitzer ends with a strong /ɚ/ (US) or a syllabic /ə/ (UK/AU), followed by a natural pause to begin Prize /praɪz/. Don’t merge them into a single run; keep their identities intact. Also, ensure the primary stress on the first word remains steady even in fast news delivery, so listeners don’t misplace the emphasis.
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Pulitzer Prize derives from the surname Pulitzer, itself of uncertain Dutch origin, likely from “Pulitzer” as a family name used by immigrant ancestors in the United States. The prize was established by Joseph Pulitzer (1847–1911), a Hungarian-born American newspaper publisher who endowed funds through his will to create a lasting recognition for excellence in journalism, literature, and music. The name first appeared in 1917 when the prize was first awarded by Columbia University’s School of Journalism. The phrase “Pulitzer Prize” thus functions as a proper noun, signifying both the legacy of the individual and the award's prestige. The pronunciation follows English conventions for the surname, with the two‑word combination treated as a compound title.”},
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Pulitzer Prize" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Pulitzer Prize"
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