How to pronounce deflect
Say it like dih-FLEKT. Deflect has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FLEKT).
- dih
- FLEKT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Deflect 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.
- FLEKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of deflect
American and British speakers say deflect in essentially the same way: /dɪˈflɛkt/ in the US and /dɪˈflɛkt/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-FLEKT.
What does deflect mean?
- To make (something) deviate from its original path or position.
- To touch the ball, often unwittingly, after a shot or a sharp pass, thereby making it unpredictable for the other players.“The defender deflected the cross into his own net.”
- To deviate from an original path or position.
Where does deflect come from?
From Latin deflecto, from de- (“away”) + flecto (“to bend”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with deflect
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of deflect.
Questions about saying deflect
How do you pronounce deflect?
Say dih-FLEKT. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈflɛkt/. In British English it is /dɪˈflɛkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in deflect?
Deflect has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FLEKT). Broken into parts: dih · FLEKT.
Do Americans and Brits say deflect the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈflɛkt/ and the British form is /dɪˈflɛkt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.