How to pronounce smugness
Say it like SMUHG-nus. Smugness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SMUHG).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce smugness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SMUHG
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Smugness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SMUHGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of smugness
American and British speakers say smugness in essentially the same way: /ˈsmʌɡnəs/ in the US and /ˈsmʌɡnəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: SMUHG-nus.
What does smugness mean?
- The state or quality of being smug.
- The result or product of being smug.
Where does smugness come from?
From smug + -ness.
Questions about saying smugness
How do you pronounce smugness?
Say SMUHG-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈsmʌɡnəs/. In British English it is /ˈsmʌɡnəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in smugness?
Smugness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SMUHG). Broken into parts: SMUHG · nus.
Do Americans and Brits say smugness the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsmʌɡnəs/ and the British form is /ˈsmʌɡnəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.