How to Pronounce “differentiate”

American (US)

/ˌdɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt/

British (UK)

/dɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt/

Australian (AU)

/dɪf.əˈɹen.ʃi.æɪt/

verb — To modify so as to create a difference or distinction.

Example: What differentiates an alligator from a crocodile?

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˌdɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “differentiate” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “differentiate” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌdɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌdɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt/ 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 "differentiate" mean?

differentiate (verb): To modify so as to create a difference or distinction. For example — What differentiates an alligator from a crocodile?

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

American English: /ˌdɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt/. British English: /dɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "differentiate"?

/ˌdɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt/ in American English, /dɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt/ in British English, /dɪf.əˈɹen.ʃi.æɪt/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "differentiate"?

“differentiate” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌdɪf.əˈɹɛn.ʃi.eɪt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.