How to Pronounce “continuance”

American (US)

/kənˈtɪnjuəns/

British (UK)

/kənˈtɪnjʊəns/

noun — The action of continuing.

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

Where the stress falls. “continuance” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /kənˈtɪnjuəns/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /kənˈtɪnjuəns/ 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 "continuance" mean?

continuance (noun): The action of continuing.

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

American English: /kənˈtɪnjuəns/. British English: /kənˈtɪnjʊəns/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "continuance"?

/kənˈtɪnjuəns/ in American English, /kənˈtɪnjʊəns/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "continuance"?

“continuance” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /kənˈtɪnjuəns/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.