How to pronounce refuse
Say it like rih-FYOOZ. Refuse has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FYOOZ).
- rih
- FYOOZ
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Verb (to say no): 'rih-FYOOZ'. Noun (trash): 'REF-yooss'.
Refuse 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.
- FYOOZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of refuse
American and British speakers say refuse in essentially the same way: /rɪˈfjuz/ in the US and /rɪˈfjuːz/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-FYOOZ.
Other ways to say refuse
Refuse also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- REF-yooz /ˈrɛˌfjuz/
What does refuse mean?
- Discarded, rejected.
- Collectively, items or material that have been discarded; rubbish, garbage.
- To decline (a request or demand).“My request for a pay rise was refused.”
- To decline a request or demand, forbear; to withhold permission.“I refuse to listen to this nonsense any more.”
- To withhold (something) from (someone); to not give it to them or to bar them from having it.
Where does refuse come from?
Borrowed into late Middle English from Middle French refusé, past participle of refuser (“to refuse”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with refuse
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of refuse.
Questions about saying refuse
How do you pronounce refuse?
Say rih-FYOOZ. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈfjuz/. In British English it is /rɪˈfjuːz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in refuse?
Refuse has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FYOOZ). Broken into parts: rih · FYOOZ.
Do Americans and Brits say refuse the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈfjuz/ and the British form is /rɪˈfjuːz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.