How to pronounce deterrent
Say it like dih-TUR-runt. Deterrent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce deterrent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- TUR
- runt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Deterrent 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.
- TURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- runtKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of deterrent
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: dih-TER-unt.
What does deterrent mean?
- Something that deters.
- Serving to deter, preventing something from happening.
Where does deterrent come from?
Learned borrowing from Latin dēterrēns, dēterrentem.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying deterrent
How do you pronounce deterrent?
Say dih-TUR-runt. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈtɝrənt/. In British English it is /dɪˈtɛrənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in deterrent?
Deterrent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR). Broken into parts: dih · TUR · runt.
Is deterrent pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /dɪˈtɛrənt/ (dih-TER-unt).