English pronunciation · Words Starting with D

Deaf Pronunciation

Deaf is pronounced DEF, IPA /ˈdɛf/.

DEF

US /ˈdɛf/  ·  UK /ˈdɛf/

Syllables: DEF (1 syllable)

adjective: Unable to hear, or able to hear only a little.

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Deaf in a Sentence

  • Her father was deaf from the age of forty.
  • He is deaf in one ear after the accident.
  • The school teaches deaf and hearing children together.

Common Mispronunciations of Deaf

Not DEEF

This ea is short, matching head and bread rather than meat.

Not DETH

The word closes on an f, which is the only thing keeping deaf and death apart.

Tip: Deafen and deafening hold the same short vowel: DE-fuhn and DEF-ning.

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