How to pronounce discontinue
Say it like dis-kun-TIN-yoo. Discontinue has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce discontinue. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dis
- kun
- TIN
- yoo
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Discontinue pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- disKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- yooKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of discontinue
American and British speakers say discontinue in essentially the same way: /dɪskənˈtɪnju/ in the US and /dɪskənˈtɪnjuː/ in the UK.
British respelling: dis-kun-TIN-yoo.
What does discontinue mean?
- To interrupt the continuance of; to put an end to, especially as regards commercial productions; to stop producing, making, or supplying.“They plan to discontinue that design.”
- To consciously cease the ingestion or administration of (a pharmaceutical drug).
Where does discontinue come from?
From Old French descontinuer, equivalent to dis- + continue.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with discontinue
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of discontinue.
Questions about saying discontinue
How do you pronounce discontinue?
Say dis-kun-TIN-yoo. The American pronunciation is /dɪskənˈtɪnju/. In British English it is /dɪskənˈtɪnjuː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in discontinue?
Discontinue has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TIN). Broken into parts: dis · kun · TIN · yoo.
Do Americans and Brits say discontinue the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪskənˈtɪnju/ and the British form is /dɪskənˈtɪnjuː/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.