How to pronounce diminution
Say it like dim-uh-NOO-shun. Diminution has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce diminution. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dim
- uh
- NOO
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Diminution pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dimGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- NOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of diminution
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: dim-uh-NYOO-shun.
What does diminution mean?
- A lessening, decrease or reduction.“The new emission standards have produced a measurable diminution in air pollution.”
- The act or process of making diminutive.
- a compositional technique where the composer shortens the melody by shortening its note values.
Where does diminution come from?
From Middle English diminucioun, from Anglo-Norman diminuciun, Old French diminucion, from Latin dīminūtiō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with diminution
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of diminution.
- solution
- distribution
- resolution
- constitution
- revolution
- evolution
- institution
- contribution
- execution
- pollution
Questions about saying diminution
How do you pronounce diminution?
Say dim-uh-NOO-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌdɪməˈnuʃən/. In British English it is /ˌdɪməˈnjuːʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in diminution?
Diminution has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NOO). Broken into parts: dim · uh · NOO · shun.
Is diminution pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /ˌdɪməˈnjuːʃən/ (dim-uh-NYOO-shun).