How to pronounce riddance
Say it like RID-unts. Riddance has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RID).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce riddance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RID
- unts
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Riddance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RIDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- untsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of riddance
American and British speakers say riddance in essentially the same way: /ˈrɪdənts/ in the US and /ˈrɪdənts/ in the UK.
British respelling: RID-unts.
What does riddance mean?
- An act of ridding, clearance, or removal; elimination.
- Deliverance, release, setting free; a relief involving getting rid of something.
- The earth thrown up by a burrowing animal.
Where does riddance come from?
Apparently an alteration of earlier Middle English riddeings, ryddyngs, reddyngs (“clearings, clearances”), plural of riddyng, riddynge, rudyng (“clearing away, removal”), partially continuing Old English hryding (“a clearing, cleared land”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying riddance
How do you pronounce riddance?
Say RID-unts. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɪdənts/. In British English it is /ˈrɪdənts/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in riddance?
Riddance has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RID). Broken into parts: RID · unts.
Do Americans and Brits say riddance the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɪdənts/ and the British form is /ˈrɪdənts/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.