How to pronounce decadence
Say it like DEK-uh-duns. Decadence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce decadence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DEK
- uh
- duns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Decadence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- dunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of decadence
American and British speakers say decadence in essentially the same way: /ˈdɛkədəns/ in the US and /ˈdɛkədəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: DEK-uh-duns.
What does decadence mean?
- A state of moral or artistic decline or deterioration; decay
- The quality of being luxuriously self-indulgent.
Where does decadence come from?
From French décadence, from Medieval Latin decadentia (“decay”), from *decadens (“decaying”), present participle of *decadere (“to decay”); see decay.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying decadence
How do you pronounce decadence?
Say DEK-uh-duns. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛkədəns/. In British English it is /ˈdɛkədəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in decadence?
Decadence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEK). Broken into parts: DEK · uh · duns.
Do Americans and Brits say decadence the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɛkədəns/ and the British form is /ˈdɛkədəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.