English pronunciation · Words Starting with D
Decade Pronunciation
Decade is pronounced DE-kayd, IPA /ˈdɛkeɪd/.
DE-kayd
US /ˈdɛkeɪd/ · UK /ˈdɛkeɪd/
Syllables: DE · kayd (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun: A period of ten years.
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Two Ways to Say Decade
The pronunciation changes with the meaning or the part of speech. The form above is the most common; the others are:
- the end-stressed reading, de-KAYD: /dɛˈkeɪd/ (de-KAYD)
Decade in a Sentence
- The shop has been there for a decade.
- Rents doubled in a single decade.
- She spent a decade abroad before coming home.
Common Mispronunciations of Decade
Not di-KAYD
Most dictionaries lead with DE-kayd, stressed at the front. The end-stressed reading exists but sounds dated or regional to many ears.
Not DE-kuhd
Give the second beat a full ay, the vowel of made, however quietly you say it.
Tip: Decade has a long ay in the second syllable, but decayed is a different word altogether.
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