How to Pronounce “conference”

American (US)

/ˈkɑn.f(ə.)ɹəns/

British (UK)

/ˈkɒn.f(ə.)ɹəns/

Australian (AU)

/ˈkɔn.f(ə.)ɹəns/

noun — The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation or discussion; interchange of views.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈkɑn.f(ə.)ɹəns/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “conference” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “conference” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkɑn.f(ə.)ɹəns/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈkɑn.f(ə.)ɹəns/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "conference" mean?

conference (noun): The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation or discussion; interchange of views.

How do you pronounce "conference" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈkɑn.f(ə.)ɹəns/. British English: /ˈkɒn.f(ə.)ɹəns/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "conference"?

/ˈkɑn.f(ə.)ɹəns/ in American English, /ˈkɒn.f(ə.)ɹəns/ in British English, /ˈkɔn.f(ə.)ɹəns/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "conference"?

“conference” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkɑn.f(ə.)ɹəns/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.