How to pronounce subterfuge
Say it like SUHB-ter-fyooj. Subterfuge has three 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 subterfuge. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUHB
- ter
- fyooj
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Subterfuge 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.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- fyoojGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of subterfuge
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SUHB-tuh-fyooj.
What does subterfuge mean?
- An indirect or deceptive device or stratagem; a blind. Refers especially to war and diplomatics.“Overt subterfuge in a region nearly caused a minor accident.”
- Deception; misrepresentation of the true nature of an activity.
Where does subterfuge come from?
Borrowed from Middle French subterfuge m, from Medieval Latin subterfugium n, from Latin subterfugiō (“to flee secretly”), from subter (“under”) and fugiō (“to flee”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying subterfuge
How do you pronounce subterfuge?
Say SUHB-ter-fyooj. The American pronunciation is /ˈsʌbtɚˌfjudʒ/. In British English it is /ˈsʌbtəˌfjuːdʒ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in subterfuge?
Subterfuge has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHB). Broken into parts: SUHB · ter · fyooj.
Is subterfuge pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈsʌbtəˌfjuːdʒ/ (SUHB-tuh-fyooj).