How to pronounce defiance
Say it like dih-FY-uns. Defiance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce defiance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- FY
- uns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Defiance 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.
- FYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- unsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of defiance
American and British speakers say defiance in essentially the same way: /dɪˈfaɪəns/ in the US and /dɪˈfaɪjəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-FY-yuns.
What does defiance mean?
- The feeling, or spirit of being defiant.
- Open or bold resistance to or disregard for authority, opposition, or power; refusing to give up.
- A challenging attitude or behavior; challenge.
Where does defiance come from?
From Middle English defiaunce, from Old French desfiance, from desfier.
Words that rhyme with defiance
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of defiance.
Questions about saying defiance
How do you pronounce defiance?
Say dih-FY-uns. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈfaɪəns/. In British English it is /dɪˈfaɪjəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in defiance?
Defiance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FY). Broken into parts: dih · FY · uns.
Do Americans and Brits say defiance the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈfaɪəns/ and the British form is /dɪˈfaɪjəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.