How to pronounce decency
Say it like DEE-sun-see. Decency has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEE).
- DEE
- sun
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Decency pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- sunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of decency
American and British speakers say decency in essentially the same way: /ˈdisənsi/ in the US and /ˈdiːsənsi/ in the UK.
British respelling: DEE-sun-see.
What does decency mean?
- The quality of being decent; propriety.
- That which is proper or becoming.
Where does decency come from?
From Latin decentia, from decens.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with decency
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of decency.
Questions about saying decency
How do you pronounce decency?
Say DEE-sun-see. The American pronunciation is /ˈdisənsi/. In British English it is /ˈdiːsənsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in decency?
Decency has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEE). Broken into parts: DEE · sun · see.
Do Americans and Brits say decency the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdisənsi/ and the British form is /ˈdiːsənsi/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.