How to pronounce defining
Say it like dih-FY-ning. Defining has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FY).
- dih
- FY
- ning
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Defining 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.
- ningKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of defining
American and British speakers say defining in essentially the same way: /dɪˈfaɪnɪŋ/ in the US and /dɪˈfaɪnɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-FY-ning.
What does defining mean?
- present participle and gerund of define How to pronounce define
- Serving to define or distinguish.“The ability to reproduce is a defining characteristic of living organisms.”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with defining
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of defining.
Questions about saying defining
How do you pronounce defining?
Say dih-FY-ning. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈfaɪnɪŋ/. In British English it is /dɪˈfaɪnɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in defining?
Defining has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FY). Broken into parts: dih · FY · ning.
Do Americans and Brits say defining the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈfaɪnɪŋ/ and the British form is /dɪˈfaɪnɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.