How to Pronounce “discipline”

American (US)

/ˈdɪsəplɪn/

British (UK)

/ˈdɪsɪplɪn/

noun — A controlled behaviour; self-control.

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

Where the stress falls. “discipline” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈdɪsəplɪn/ 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. /ˈdɪsəplɪn/ 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 "discipline" mean?

discipline (noun): A controlled behaviour; self-control.

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

American English: /ˈdɪsəplɪn/. British English: /ˈdɪsɪplɪn/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "discipline"?

/ˈdɪsəplɪn/ in American English, /ˈdɪsɪplɪn/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "discipline"?

“discipline” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈdɪsəplɪn/ 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.

• Silent C words