How to pronounce stiffen
Say it like STIF-un. Stiffen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STIF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce stiffen. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- STIF
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Stiffen pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- STIFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of stiffen
American and British speakers say stiffen in essentially the same way: /ˈstɪfən/ in the US and /ˈstɪfən/ in the UK.
British respelling: STIF-un.
What does stiffen mean?
- To make stiff.
- To become stiff.
Where does stiffen come from?
From Middle English stifnen, equivalent to stiff + -en.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with stiffen
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of stiffen.
Questions about saying stiffen
How do you pronounce stiffen?
Say STIF-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈstɪfən/. In British English it is /ˈstɪfən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in stiffen?
Stiffen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STIF). Broken into parts: STIF · un.
Do Americans and Brits say stiffen the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈstɪfən/ and the British form is /ˈstɪfən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.