How to Pronounce Difference

To pronounce "difference", say DIFF-er-enc-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ˈdɪfɝəns/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

difference

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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4

Syllables

10

Letters

/ˈdɪfɝəns/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/dˈɪfɹəns/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “difference”

"difference" has 4 syllables: diff-er-enc-e. It rhymes with indifference, if that helps it stick.

What does difference mean?

noun

  1. The quality of being different.

    “You need to learn to be more tolerant of difference.”

  2. A characteristic of something that makes it different from something else.

    “There are three differences between these two pictures.”

verb

  1. To distinguish or differentiate.

Synonyms

departuredeviationdisparitydivergenceconflictdifference of opiniondisputedissensiondifferentiatedistinguish

Antonyms

identitysameness

Hear “difference” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with difference

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

indifference

Related words

divergencedeviationdisputeconflictdepartureothernessdifferentialdifferent

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "difference"?▾

"Difference" has 4 syllables: diff · er · enc · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "difference"?▾

The IPA transcription of "difference" is /ˈdɪfɝəns/.

What does "difference" mean?▾

Difference: The quality of being different.

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