How to pronounce diction
Say it like DIK-shun. Diction has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce diction. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DIK
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Diction pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DIKSay 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 diction
American and British speakers say diction in essentially the same way: /ˈdɪkʃən/ in the US and /ˈdɪkʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: DIK-shun.
What does diction mean?
- Choice and use of words, especially with regard to effective communication; the effectiveness and degree of clarity of word choice and expression.“the identification of the poetic impulse with sonorous diction”
- Enunciation, pronunciation, or both.
Where does diction come from?
The modern senses of “choice and use of words” and “clarity of word choice” were likely influenced by additional senses of dictiō.
Words that rhyme with diction
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of diction.
Questions about saying diction
How do you pronounce diction?
Say DIK-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɪkʃən/. In British English it is /ˈdɪkʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in diction?
Diction has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIK). Broken into parts: DIK · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say diction the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɪkʃən/ and the British form is /ˈdɪkʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.