How to Pronounce “distance”

American (US)

/ˈdɪst(ə)n(t)s/

British (UK)

/ˈdɪst(ə)n(t)s/

noun — An amount of space between points (often geographical points), usually (but not necessarily) measured along a straight line.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈdɪst(ə)n(t)s/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “distance” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “distance” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈdɪst(ə)n(t)s/ 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. /ˈdɪst(ə)n(t)s/ 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 "distance" mean?

distance (noun): An amount of space between points (often geographical points), usually (but not necessarily) measured along a straight line.

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

Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "distance", /ˈdɪst(ə)n(t)s/, 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 "distance"?

/ˈdɪst(ə)n(t)s/ in American English, /ˈdɪst(ə)n(t)s/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "distance"?

“distance” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈdɪst(ə)n(t)s/ 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.