How to pronounce pretence
Say it like PREE-tens. Pretence has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PREE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pretence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PREE
- tens
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pretence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PREESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- tensKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of pretence
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 2.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: prih-TENS.
What does pretence mean?
- British standard spelling of pretense.
Words that sound like pretence
Questions about saying pretence
How do you pronounce pretence?
Say PREE-tens. The American pronunciation is /ˈpritɛns/. In British English it is /prɪˈtɛns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pretence?
Pretence has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PREE). Broken into parts: PREE · tens.
Is pretence pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 2. The British form is /prɪˈtɛns/ (prih-TENS).
What words sound the same as pretence?
Pretence sounds the same as pretense in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.