How to pronounce demesne
Say it like duh-MAYN. Demesne has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MAYN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce demesne. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- duh
- MAYN
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Demesne pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- MAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of demesne
American and British speakers say demesne in essentially the same way: /dəˈmeɪn/ in the US and /dəˈmeɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: duh-MAYN.
What does demesne mean?
- A lord's chief manor place, with that part of the lands belonging thereto which has not been granted out in tenancy; a house, and the land adjoining, kept for the proprietor's own use.
- A region or area; a domain.
Where does demesne come from?
The spelling with non-etymological s is partly due to influence from mesne and partly for the purpose of indicating a long vowel, as the s quiesced before a consonant; compare aisle, isle, Carlisle.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with demesne
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of demesne.
Questions about saying demesne
How do you pronounce demesne?
Say duh-MAYN. The American pronunciation is /dəˈmeɪn/. In British English it is /dəˈmeɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in demesne?
Demesne has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MAYN). Broken into parts: duh · MAYN.
Do Americans and Brits say demesne the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dəˈmeɪn/ and the British form is /dəˈmeɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.