How to Pronounce “confidence”

American (US)

/ˈkɑn.fɪ.dəns/

British (UK)

/ˈkɒn.fɪ.dəns/

Australian (AU)

/ˈkɔn.fɪ.dəns/

noun — Self-assurance.

Example: He entered the ring with confidence.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈkɑn.fɪ.dəns/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “confidence” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “confidence” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkɑn.fɪ.dəns/ 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.fɪ.dəns/ 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 "confidence" mean?

confidence (noun): Self-assurance. For example — He entered the ring with confidence.

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

American English: /ˈkɑn.fɪ.dəns/. British English: /ˈkɒn.fɪ.dəns/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "confidence"?

/ˈkɑn.fɪ.dəns/ in American English, /ˈkɒn.fɪ.dəns/ in British English, /ˈkɔn.fɪ.dəns/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "confidence"?

“confidence” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkɑn.fɪ.dəns/ 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.