How to pronounce rebuff
Say it like rih-BUHF. Rebuff has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BUHF).
- rih
- BUHF
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rebuff pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- BUHFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of rebuff
American and British speakers say rebuff in essentially the same way: /rɪˈbʌf/ in the US and /rɪˈbʌf/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-BUHF.
What does rebuff mean?
- A sudden resistance or refusal.“He was surprised by her quick rebuff to his proposal.”
- Repercussion, or beating back.
- To refuse; to offer sudden or harsh resistance; to turn down or shut out.
- To buff again.
Where does rebuff come from?
From obsolete French rebuffer, from Middle French rebuffer (compare French rebiffer (“to rise up, revolt”)), from Italian ribuffare.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with rebuff
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rebuff.
Questions about saying rebuff
How do you pronounce rebuff?
Say rih-BUHF. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈbʌf/. In British English it is /rɪˈbʌf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rebuff?
Rebuff has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BUHF). Broken into parts: rih · BUHF.
Do Americans and Brits say rebuff the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈbʌf/ and the British form is /rɪˈbʌf/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.