How to Pronounce 20 Common Political Words in English

2020 has been quite a year so far, to say the least. And it’s going to continue to be interesting.

In the US, there are a lot of discussions happening centered around politics and political issues. We're also just a few months away from a presidential election.

So, I thought now would be an excellent time to talk about the pronunciation of 20 super common political words.

Practice Words and Sentences used in this lesson:

1) candidate

/ˈkæn.dɪ.dət/

/ˈkæn.dɪ.deɪt/

Which candidate is your favorite?

I’ve heard he’s a potential candidate for president.

2) president

/prez.ɪ.dənt/

She’s decided to run for president.

The president will address the nation this evening.

presidential

/prez.ɪˈden.ʃəl/

There’s a presidential election this November.

He’s a strong presidential candidate. 

3) governor

/ˈɡʌv.ǝ.nɚ/

Who’s the governor of Texas?

He received a pardon from the governor.

4) mayor- rhymes with fair, care, 

 /mer/

The city has a new mayor.

Many people disagree with the mayor’s decision.

5) election

/iˈlek.ʃən/

What are the final election results?

Local elections will take place in May.

6) vote

/ˈvoʊt/

Don't forget to vote.

voter

/ˈvoʊ.t̬ɚ/

Are you a registered voter?

This is something every eligible voter needs to be aware of.

7) campaign- 

/kæmˈpeɪn/

The protests are part of a campaign against discrimination.

Campaign funding has become a significant issue.

8) congress

/kɑŋ.ɡrɪs/

Congress has rejected the president's proposal.

She served two terms in Congress.

9) senator

/ˈsen.ə.t̬ɚ/ 

The majority of senators opposed it.

Each state has 2 senators.

10) representativeT

/rep.rɪˈzen.ə.t̬ɪv/

Who’s the representative from your district?

The US Congress includes the Senate and the House of Representatives.

11) debate

/dɪˈbeɪt/

The issue has caused considerable debate.

Congress debated for hours with no resolution.

12) national

/ˈnæʃ.ən.əl/

The event made the national news

She’s too young to vote in the national election.

13) international- vanishing T

/ɪn.t̬ɚˈnæʃ.ən.əl/

The government has signed an international agreement.

The election has gained international attention.

14) democrat

/ˈdem.ə.kræt/

He’s a democrat. 

democratic- flap T

/dem.əˈkræt̬.ɪk/

She’s a strong candidate for the democratic party.

What is the true definition of a democratic government?

15) republican

/rəˈpʌb.lɪ.kən/

Who is the candidate for the republican party?

He’s always voted republican.

16) conservative- flap T

/kənˈsɝ.və.t̬ɪv/

Her views are distinctly conservative.

Do you consider yourself more conservative or liberal?

17) liberal

/ˈlɪb.ər.əl/

His political leanings are more liberal.

The issue is more than liberal vs. conservative.

18) moderate

/ˈmɑ.dɚ.ət/

She’s well known for her moderate opinions.

He’s more moderate than most of his peers.

19) extremist

/ɪkˈstriː.mɪst/

That’s a well known extremist group.

His views are considered extremist.

20) colonel 

/ˈkɝː.nəl/

He retired as a colonel in the US Army.

The Colonel had a kernel stuck in his teeth.