How to pronounce diligence
Say it like DIL-uh-juns. Diligence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce diligence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DIL
- uh
- juns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Diligence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- junsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of diligence
American and British speakers say diligence in essentially the same way: /ˈdɪlədʒəns/ in the US and /ˈdɪlɪdʒəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: DIL-ih-juns.
What does diligence mean?
- conscientiousness in paying proper attention to a task; giving the degree of care required in a given situation
- persevering determination to perform a task“his diligence won him quick promotions”“frugality and industry are still regarded as virtues”
- a diligent effort“it is a job requiring serious application”
Where does diligence come from?
Borrowed from French diligence, from Latin diligentia.
Questions about saying diligence
How do you pronounce diligence?
Say DIL-uh-juns. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɪlədʒəns/. In British English it is /ˈdɪlɪdʒəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in diligence?
Diligence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIL). Broken into parts: DIL · uh · juns.
Do Americans and Brits say diligence the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɪlədʒəns/ and the British form is /ˈdɪlɪdʒəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.