How to pronounce darkness
Say it like DARK-nus. Darkness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DARK).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈdɑrknəs/DARK-nus
UK British/ˈdɑːknɪs/DAHK-nis
- DARK
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Darkness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DARKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of darkness
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: DAHK-nis.
What does darkness mean?
noun
- The state of being dark; lack of light; the absolute or comparative absence of light.“The darkness of the room made it difficult to see.”
- The state or quality of reflecting little light, of tending to a blackish or brownish color.“The darkness of her skin betrayed her Mediterranean heritage.”
- Any space that such colour pervades.“Out of the darkness came some flickers of light.”
Where does darkness come from?
From Middle English derknesse, from Old English deorcnes; equivalent to dark + -ness.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying darkness
How do you pronounce darkness?
Say DARK-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɑrknəs/. In British English it is /ˈdɑːknɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in darkness?
Darkness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DARK). Broken into parts: DARK · nus.
Is darkness pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈdɑːknɪs/ (DAHK-nis).