How to pronounce destitute
Say it like DES-tuh-toot. Destitute has three 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 destitute. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DES
- tuh
- toot
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Destitute 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.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tootGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of destitute
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: DES-tuh-tyoot.
What does destitute mean?
- Lacking something; devoid.
- Lacking money, poor, impoverished; especially, extremely so.
- To impoverish; to strip of wealth, resources, etc.
Where does destitute come from?
From Middle English destitute, destitut, from Latin dēstitūtus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying destitute
How do you pronounce destitute?
Say DES-tuh-toot. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛstəˌtut/. In British English it is /ˈdɛstəˌtjuːt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in destitute?
Destitute has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DES). Broken into parts: DES · tuh · toot.
Is destitute pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /ˈdɛstəˌtjuːt/ (DES-tuh-tyoot).