How to pronounce indifferent
Say it like in-DIF-runt. Indifferent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DIF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce indifferent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- DIF
- runt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Indifferent 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.
- DIFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- runtKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of indifferent
American and British speakers say indifferent in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnˈdɪfrənt/ in the US and /ɪnˈdɪfrənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-DIF-runt.
What does indifferent mean?
- Ambivalent; unconcerned; uninterested, apathetic.“He was indifferent to the proposal, since it didn’t affect him, either way.”
- Indicating or reflecting a lack of concern or care.“She responded with an indifferent shrug.”
- Mediocre (usually used negatively in modern usage).“The long distance and the indifferent roads made the journey impossible.”
- A person who is indifferent or apathetic.
Where does indifferent come from?
From Old French indifferent, from Latin indifferens.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying indifferent
How do you pronounce indifferent?
Say in-DIF-runt. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈdɪfrənt/. In British English it is /ɪnˈdɪfrənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in indifferent?
Indifferent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DIF). Broken into parts: in · DIF · runt.
Do Americans and Brits say indifferent the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnˈdɪfrənt/ and the British form is /ɪnˈdɪfrənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.