English pronunciation · Words Starting with D
Defy Pronunciation
Defy is pronounced di-FY, IPA /dɪˈfaɪ/.
di-FY
US /dɪˈfaɪ/ · UK /dɪˈfaɪ/
Syllables: di · FY (2 syllables, stress on syllable 2)
verb: To refuse to obey someone or something, or to resist explanation.
Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.
Defy in a Sentence
- The results defy every forecast we made.
- She chose to defy the ban.
- Some of these buildings defy description.
Common Mispronunciations of Defy
Not DE-fee
The y carries the whole word as the long y of my, and it takes the volume with it.
Not DEE-fy
Leading on the first beat makes the de sound like a detachable prefix. It is a quick di and nothing more.
Tip: Defiant and defiance both keep a long y but move the weight to the middle: di-FY-uhnt.
More words starting with d · Every word in the pronunciation guide