How to pronounce dainty
Say it like DAYN-tee. Dainty has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DAYN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce dainty. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DAYN
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dainty pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of dainty
American and British speakers say dainty in essentially the same way: /ˈdeɪnti/ in the US and /ˈdeɪnti/ in the UK.
British respelling: DAYN-tee.
What does dainty mean?
- Elegant; delicately small and pretty.
- Fastidious and fussy, especially when eating.
- A delicacy (choice or pleasing food).
- A fancy cookie, pastry, or square, frequently homemade, served at a social event.
Where does dainty come from?
From Middle English deynte (as noun), from Old French deintié, from Latin dignitātem.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying dainty
How do you pronounce dainty?
Say DAYN-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˈdeɪnti/. In British English it is /ˈdeɪnti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dainty?
Dainty has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DAYN). Broken into parts: DAYN · tee.
Do Americans and Brits say dainty the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdeɪnti/ and the British form is /ˈdeɪnti/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.