How to pronounce suspense
Say it like suh-SPENS. Suspense has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPENS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce suspense. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- suh
- SPENS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Suspense pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SPENSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of suspense
American and British speakers say suspense in essentially the same way: /səˈspɛns/ in the US and /səˈspɛns/ in the UK.
British respelling: suh-SPENS.
What does suspense mean?
- apprehension about what is going to happen
- an uncertain cognitive state“the matter remained in suspense for several years”
- excited anticipation of an approaching climax“the play kept the audience in suspense”
Where does suspense come from?
From Middle English suspense, suspence, from Anglo-Norman suspens (as in en suspens) and Old French suspens, from Latin suspēnsus.
Words that rhyme with suspense
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of suspense.
Questions about saying suspense
How do you pronounce suspense?
Say suh-SPENS. The American pronunciation is /səˈspɛns/. In British English it is /səˈspɛns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in suspense?
Suspense has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPENS). Broken into parts: suh · SPENS.
Do Americans and Brits say suspense the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /səˈspɛns/ and the British form is /səˈspɛns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.