How to Pronounce “inference”

American (US)

/ˈɪn.fɚ.əns/

British (UK)

/ˈɪn.fə.ɹəns/

Australian (AU)

/ˈɪn.fə.ɹəns/

noun — The act or process of inferring by deduction or induction.

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

Where the stress falls. “inference” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɪn.fɚ.əns/ 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. /ˈɪn.fɚ.əns/ 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 "inference" mean?

inference (noun): The act or process of inferring by deduction or induction.

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

American English: /ˈɪn.fɚ.əns/. British English: /ˈɪn.fə.ɹəns/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "inference"?

/ˈɪn.fɚ.əns/ in American English, /ˈɪn.fə.ɹəns/ in British English, /ˈɪn.fə.ɹəns/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "inference"?

“inference” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɪn.fɚ.əns/ 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.