How to pronounce substance
Say it like SUHB-stuns. Substance has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce substance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUHB
- stuns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Substance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SUHBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- stunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of substance
American and British speakers say substance in essentially the same way: /ˈsʌbstəns/ in the US and /ˈsʌbstəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: SUHB-stuns.
What does substance mean?
- the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists“DNA is the substance of our genes”
- the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience“the gist of the prosecutor's argument”“the heart and soul of the Republican Party”
- the idea that is intended“What is the meaning of this proverb?”
Where does substance come from?
Inherited from Middle English substance, from Old French substance, from Latin substantia (“substance, essence”), from substāns, present active participle of substō (“exist”, literally “stand under”), from sub + stō (“stand”).
Questions about saying substance
How do you pronounce substance?
Say SUHB-stuns. The American pronunciation is /ˈsʌbstəns/. In British English it is /ˈsʌbstəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in substance?
Substance has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHB). Broken into parts: SUHB · stuns.
Do Americans and Brits say substance the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsʌbstəns/ and the British form is /ˈsʌbstəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.