How to pronounce descant
Say it like DES-kant. Descant has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce descant. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DES
- kant
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Descant pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- kantKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of descant
American and British speakers say descant in essentially the same way: /ˈdɛskænt/ in the US and /ˈdɛskænt/ in the UK.
British respelling: DES-kant.
What does descant mean?
- A lengthy discourse on a subject.
- A counterpoint melody sung or played above the theme.
- To discuss at length.
- To sing or play a descant.
Where does descant come from?
From Anglo-Norman descaunt, from Medieval Latin discantus.
Questions about saying descant
How do you pronounce descant?
Say DES-kant. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛskænt/. In British English it is /ˈdɛskænt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in descant?
Descant has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DES). Broken into parts: DES · kant.
Do Americans and Brits say descant the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɛskænt/ and the British form is /ˈdɛskænt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.