How to Pronounce “decide”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /dɪˈsaɪd/
- British (UK)
- /dɪˈsaɪd/
What “decide” means
verb — To resolve (a contest, problem, dispute, etc.); to choose, determine, or settle.
Example: The election will be decided on foreign policies.
Pronunciation Notes
The final e is silent. The transcription /dɪˈsaɪd/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “decide” is not pronounced.
Where the stress falls. “decide” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /dɪˈsaɪd/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "decide" mean?
decide (verb): To resolve (a contest, problem, dispute, etc.); to choose, determine, or settle. For example — The election will be decided on foreign policies.
How do you pronounce "decide" in American vs British English?
Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "decide", /dɪˈsaɪd/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.
What is the IPA transcription of "decide"?
/dɪˈsaɪd/ in American English, /dɪˈsaɪd/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "decide"?
“decide” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /dɪˈsaɪd/ 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.
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