How to pronounce diffidence
Say it like DIF-ih-duns. Diffidence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce diffidence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DIF
- ih
- duns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Diffidence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DIFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- dunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of diffidence
American and British speakers say diffidence in essentially the same way: /ˈdɪfɪdəns/ in the US and /ˈdɪfɪdəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: DIF-ih-duns.
What does diffidence mean?
- The state of being diffident, timid or shy; reticence or self-effacement.
Where does diffidence come from?
From Latin diffīdentiam (“distrust”), from diffīdere (“to mistrust”), from dis- and fīdere (“to trust”).
Questions about saying diffidence
How do you pronounce diffidence?
Say DIF-ih-duns. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɪfɪdəns/. In British English it is /ˈdɪfɪdəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in diffidence?
Diffidence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIF). Broken into parts: DIF · ih · duns.
Do Americans and Brits say diffidence the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɪfɪdəns/ and the British form is /ˈdɪfɪdəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.