To pronounce "deference", say DEF-er-enc-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ˈdɛfəɹəns/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.
deference
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4
Syllables
9
Letters
/ˈdɛfəɹəns/
IPA
"deference" has 4 syllables: def-er-enc-e. It rhymes with reference and preference, if that helps it stick.
noun
“The children treated their elders with deference.”
“By tidying his room, he showed deference to his mother.”
Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.
"Deference" has 4 syllables: def · er · enc · e.
The IPA transcription of "deference" is /ˈdɛfəɹəns/.
Deference: Great respect.
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