How to pronounce detainee
Say it like dee-tay-NEE. Detainee has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce detainee. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dee
- tay
- NEE
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Detainee pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- deeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- tayKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- NEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of detainee
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: dit-ay-NEE.
What does detainee mean?
- Someone who is detained, especially in custody or confinement.
Where does detainee come from?
From detain + -ee.
Words that rhyme with detainee
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of detainee.
Questions about saying detainee
How do you pronounce detainee?
Say dee-tay-NEE. The American pronunciation is /ˌditeɪˈni/. In British English it is /ˌdɪteɪˈniː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in detainee?
Detainee has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NEE). Broken into parts: dee · tay · NEE.
Is detainee pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˌdɪteɪˈniː/ (dit-ay-NEE).