How to pronounce silliness
Say it like SIL-ee-nus. Silliness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce silliness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SIL
- ee
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Silliness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of silliness
American and British speakers say silliness in essentially the same way: /ˈsɪlinəs/ in the US and /ˈsɪlinəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: SIL-ee-nus.
What does silliness mean?
- That which is perceived as silly or frivolous.
- An act that is silly; a result of being silly.
Where does silliness come from?
From silly + -ness.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying silliness
How do you pronounce silliness?
Say SIL-ee-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪlinəs/. In British English it is /ˈsɪlinəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in silliness?
Silliness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIL). Broken into parts: SIL · ee · nus.
Do Americans and Brits say silliness the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɪlinəs/ and the British form is /ˈsɪlinəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.