How to pronounce pittance
Say it like PIT-uns. Pittance has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pittance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PIT
- uns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pittance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of pittance
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: PIT-uns.
What does pittance mean?
- A small allowance of food and drink; a scanty meal.
- A meager allowance of money or wages.
- A small amount.
Where does pittance come from?
From Middle English pitaunce, from Old French pitance, pitence, from Medieval Latin *pietāntia, from Latin pietās (“piety”).
Words that rhyme with pittance
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of pittance.
Questions about saying pittance
How do you pronounce pittance?
Say PIT-uns. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɪtəns/. In British English it is /ˈpɪtəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pittance?
Pittance has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIT). Broken into parts: PIT · uns.
Is pittance pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈpɪtəns/ (PIT-uns).