How to pronounce deference
Say it like DEF-er-uns. Deference has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce deference. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DEF
- er
- uns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Deference pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DEFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- unsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of deference
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: DEF-uh-runs.
What does deference mean?
- Great respect.“The children treated their elders with deference.”
- The willingness to carry out the wishes of others.“By tidying his room, he showed deference to his mother.”
Where does deference come from?
From French déférence.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying deference
How do you pronounce deference?
Say DEF-er-uns. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛfɚəns/. In British English it is /ˈdɛfərəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in deference?
Deference has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEF). Broken into parts: DEF · er · uns.
Is deference 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 /ˈdɛfərəns/ (DEF-uh-runs).