How to pronounce continence
Say it like KON-tih-nuns. Continence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KON).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce continence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KON
- tih
- nuns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Continence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KONSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- nunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of continence
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KON-tih-nuns.
What does continence mean?
- The voluntary control of urination and defecation.
- Uninterrupted course; continuity.
Where does continence come from?
Dated from the 14th century as Middle English contynence, from Old French continence, from Latin continentia (“a repression”).
Questions about saying continence
How do you pronounce continence?
Say KON-tih-nuns. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑntɪnəns/. In British English it is /ˈkɒntɪnəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in continence?
Continence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KON). Broken into parts: KON · tih · nuns.
Is continence pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈkɒntɪnəns/ (KON-tih-nuns).