How to pronounce deferment
Say it like dih-FER-munt. Deferment has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce deferment. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- FER
- munt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Deferment pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- FERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- muntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of deferment
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: dih-FUR-munt.
What does deferment mean?
- An act or instance of deferring or putting off.
- Officially sanctioned postponement of compulsory military service.
Where does deferment come from?
From defer + -ment.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying deferment
How do you pronounce deferment?
Say dih-FER-munt. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈfɚmənt/. In British English it is /dɪˈfɜːmənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in deferment?
Deferment has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FER). Broken into parts: dih · FER · munt.
Is deferment 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 /dɪˈfɜːmənt/ (dih-FUR-munt).