How to pronounce deflection
Say it like dih-FLEK-shun. Deflection has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FLEK).
- dih
- FLEK
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Deflection 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.
- FLEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of deflection
American and British speakers say deflection in essentially the same way: /dɪˈflɛkʃən/ in the US and /rɪˈflɛkʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-FLEK-shun.
What does deflection mean?
- The act of deflecting or something deflected.“Russell's goalbound shot took a deflection off a defender and went out for a corner.”
- Deviation (of a needle or other indicator or mechanism) from a previous position.
- The act of refusing to address something (questions, criticism, etc.).
Where does deflection come from?
From Latin dēflexiō, from dēflectere (“to deflect”; participle stem dēflex-) + -iō (suffix forming abstract nouns).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- warp
- deflexion
- refraction
- bending
Words that rhyme with deflection
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of deflection.
Questions about saying deflection
How do you pronounce deflection?
Say dih-FLEK-shun. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈflɛkʃən/. In British English it is /rɪˈflɛkʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in deflection?
Deflection has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FLEK). Broken into parts: dih · FLEK · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say deflection the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈflɛkʃən/ and the British form is /rɪˈflɛkʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.