How to pronounce "differ"

differ

Noun
American
/ˈdɪfər/

Syllable Breakdown

dif fer

How natives say differ

British
/ˈdɪfə/

Syllable Breakdown

dif fer

How natives say differ

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the 'd' sound as in 'dog'.

  • Say the 'ɪ' sound like in 'bit'.

  • Finish with 'fər', using a soft 'r' sound as in 'her'.

Common Mistakes

  • di-fur (correct: dif-fer)

  • dai-fer (correct: dif-fer)

  • de-fur (correct: dif-fer)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the 'd' sound as in 'dog'.

  • Say the 'ɪ' sound like in 'bit'.

  • Finish with 'fə', dropping the 'r' sound.

common mistakes

  • di-fur (correct: dif-fer)

  • dai-fer (correct: dif-fer)

  • de-fur (correct: dif-fer)

FAQ

What is the main stress in 'differ'?

The stress is on the first syllable: 'dif-fer'.

Is the 'r' sound pronounced in British English?

No, the 'r' is not pronounced in British English.

Is the first syllable pronounced like 'dee'?

No, it is pronounced like 'dif' with a short 'ɪ' sound.

Definition

differ

To be unlike or distinct.

Word Family

different

/ˈdɪfrənt/

adjective

Not the same

Example: They are different.

difference

/ˈdɪfərəns/

noun

The state of being different

Example: The difference is clear.

differently

/ˈdɪfrəntli/

adverb

In a different way

Example: She thinks differently.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Different has three syllables compared to two in differ.

Difference ends with 'əns' instead of simple 'ər'.

Differently includes an additional 'li' suffix.

Pro Tips

Listen and Repeat

Listen to native speakers and mimic their pronunciation.

Record Yourself

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Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Differ

ability

/əˈbɪləti/

accessory

/əkˈsɛsəri/

adapt

/əˈdæpt/

adjust

/əˈdʒʌst/

advance

/ədˈvæns/

also

/ˈɔl.soʊ/

alter

/ˈɔltər/

apparatus

/ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs/

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