How to pronounce dutiful
Say it like DOO-tee-ful. Dutiful has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DOO).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈdutifəl/DOO-tee-ful
UK British/ˈdjuːtifəl/DYOO-tee-ful
- DOO
- tee
- ful
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dutiful pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- fulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of dutiful
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: DYOO-tee-ful.
What does dutiful mean?
adjective
- Accepting of one's legal or moral obligations and willing to do them well, and without complaint.“Ralph was a dutiful child, and took the trash out without being told.”
- Pertaining to one's duty; demonstrative of one's sense of duty.
Where does dutiful come from?
From duty + -ful.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- duteous
Questions about saying dutiful
How do you pronounce dutiful?
Say DOO-tee-ful. The American pronunciation is /ˈdutifəl/. In British English it is /ˈdjuːtifəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dutiful?
Dutiful has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DOO). Broken into parts: DOO · tee · ful.
Is dutiful 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 /ˈdjuːtifəl/ (DYOO-tee-ful).