How to pronounce debonair
Say it like deb-uh-NAIR. Debonair has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NAIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce debonair. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- deb
- uh
- NAIR
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Debonair pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- debGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- NAIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of debonair
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: deb-uh-NAIR.
What does debonair mean?
- Suave, urbane and sophisticated.
- Charming, confident, and carefully dressed.
Where does debonair come from?
Via Middle English debonaire from Old French de bon aire (“of good stock; noble”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with debonair
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of debonair.
Questions about saying debonair
How do you pronounce debonair?
Say deb-uh-NAIR. The American pronunciation is /ˌdɛbəˈnɛr/. In British English it is /ˌdɛbəˈnɛə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in debonair?
Debonair has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NAIR). Broken into parts: deb · uh · NAIR.
Is debonair 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 /ˌdɛbəˈnɛə/ (deb-uh-NAIR).