How to Pronounce Suffer

To pronounce "suffer", say SUFF-er — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈsʌfə/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

suffer

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈsʌfə/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “suffer”

"suffer" has 2 syllables: suff-er. It rhymes with buffer and duffer, if that helps it stick.

What does suffer mean?

verb

To undergo hardship.
“Is anyone here afraid of suffering hardship?”
To feel pain.
“At least he didn't suffer when he died in the car crash.”

Synonyms

permit deteriorate worsen bear dree thole agonize anguish

Hear “suffer” 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 suffer

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

buffer duffer snuffer fluffer puffer stuffer huffer scuffer rougher ruffer bluffer gruffer

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "suffer"?▾

"Suffer" has 2 syllables: suff · er.

What is the IPA transcription of "suffer"?▾

The IPA transcription of "suffer" is /ˈsʌfə/.

What does "suffer" mean?▾

Suffer: To undergo hardship.

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