How to pronounce independence
Say it like in-dih-PEN-duns. Independence has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (PEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce independence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- dih
- PEN
- duns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Independence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- PENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- dunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of independence
American and British speakers say independence in essentially the same way: /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns/ in the US and /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-dih-PEN-duns.
What does independence mean?
- freedom from control or influence of another or others
- the successful ending of the American Revolution“they maintained close relations with England even after independence”
- a city in western Missouri; the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail
Where does independence come from?
From French indépendance.
Words that rhyme with independence
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of independence.
Questions about saying independence
How do you pronounce independence?
Say in-dih-PEN-duns. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns/. In British English it is /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in independence?
Independence has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (PEN). Broken into parts: in · dih · PEN · duns.
Do Americans and Brits say independence the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns/ and the British form is /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.