How to Pronounce Defence

To pronounce "defence", say DEF-enc-e — 3 syllables, IPA /dɪˈfɛns/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

defence

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

7

Letters

/dɪˈfɛns/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “defence”

"defence" has 3 syllables: def-enc-e. It rhymes with intense and pretense, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: defense — easy to mix up when writing.

What does defence mean?

noun

  1. The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.
  2. Something used to oppose attacks.

verb

  1. To furnish with defences; to fortify.

Antonyms

offenceoffense

Words that rhyme with defence

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

intensepretensesensedenserecompenseimmensetensecommencefencethenceincensedispense

Related words

defensevindicationdemurrerrefutationdenial

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "defence"?▾

"Defence" has 3 syllables: def · enc · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "defence"?▾

The IPA transcription of "defence" is /dɪˈfɛns/.

What does "defence" mean?▾

Defence: The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.

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