How do you pronounce "defy"?

In American English: /dɪˈfaɪ/ (di-FEYE). In British English: /dɪfˈaɪ/ (dif-EYE). In Canadian English: /dɪˈfaɪ/ (di-FEYE). In Australian English: /dɪfˈaɪ/ (dif-EYE).

Is "defy" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /dɪˈfaɪ/ (di-FEYE), while in British English it's /dɪfˈaɪ/ (dif-EYE).

How to Pronounce "defy" | pronounce.how

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defy

/dɪˈfaɪ/

di-FEYE

Syllable Breakdown

dɪde·faɪfy

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14