How to pronounce description
Say it like dih-SKRIP-shun. Description has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SKRIP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce description. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- SKRIP
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Description 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.
- SKRIPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of description
American and British speakers say description in essentially the same way: /dɪˈskrɪpʃən/ in the US and /dɪˈskrɪpʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-SKRIP-shun.
What does description mean?
- a statement that represents something in words
- the act of describing something
- sort or variety“every description of book was there”
Where does description come from?
From Middle English descripcioun, from Old French description and its etymon, Latin dēscrīptiō, noun of action of dēscrībō (“to describe”).
Words that rhyme with description
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of description.
Questions about saying description
How do you pronounce description?
Say dih-SKRIP-shun. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈskrɪpʃən/. In British English it is /dɪˈskrɪpʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in description?
Description has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SKRIP). Broken into parts: dih · SKRIP · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say description the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈskrɪpʃən/ and the British form is /dɪˈskrɪpʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.