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How to Pronounce Stifling

How to Pronounce "Stifling"

Definition: How to say "Stifling" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

stahy-fling (pronounced: STAHY-fuh-ling)

How to say "Stifling" correctly

Here are some definitions of Stifling.

  • To quell, crush, or end by force
  • To suppress, curb, or withhold
  • To suffocate or smother
  • To inhibit or restrain
  • To stifle a yawn

Use Stifling in a sentence:

  • The oppressive heat was stifling, making it hard to breathe.
  • She felt like her creativity was being stifled by the strict guidelines.
  • The government tried to stifle the protests by imposing a curfew.
  • His laughter was stifled by the seriousness of the situation.
  • The lack of fresh air in the room was stifling, causing everyone to feel claustrophobic.

Nearby words to Stifling:

Sniffling, Snuffling, Stumbling, Snuggling, Struggling, Snickering, Stippling, Snuggling, Sniveling,

Synonyms for Stifling

Suppress, Quash, Smother, Restrain, Inhibit, Quell, Strangle, Choke, Constrain, Muffle,

Antonyms for Stifling

Encourage, Promote, Foster, Nurture, Stimulate, Free, Unleash, Encourage, Allow, Facilitate,

Review Stifling
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Ways to pronounce English words better

Here are a couple of tips that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Stifling‘:

  • Break ‘Stifling’ down into sounds, say it aloud whilst exaggerating each sound until you can consistently repeat it without making a mistake.
  • Try to record yourself saying ‘Stifling‘ in full sentences then listen back. You’ll be able to find any of your mistakes quite easily.
  • Look up tutorials on Youtube or Google for how to pronounce ‘Stifling‘ correctly.
  • Focus on one accent: mixing multiple accents could get really confusing, especially for beginners, so pick just one accent (US or UK), perhaps US and stick to it.


More tips\techniques to improve your English accent and pronunciation, consider embrace the following methods:

Practicing contraction and abbreviation in speech is common in the U.S. and is viewed as a natural part of informal dialogue. For instance, changing “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is standard practice. Look into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for additional insights.

Improving your intonation is essential for English fluency. The patterns of stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are key in communicating your message and feelings. A plethora of resources and videos on Youtube can assist you in learning these elements to pronounce ‘Stifling’.

Engage with several Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer free resources that tackle important language skills. Pronounce.tv is one more excellent source for improving your pronunciation.

Mimicking native speakers can greatly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they say ‘Stifling’ and attempt to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it habitual.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily practice. Learning and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you improve your pronunciation of challenging words.

Consistently speak English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more comfortable you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, boosting your overall expressive capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is stifling in American English?

In American English, the term “stifling” typically refers to an environment that is extremely hot and lacking fresh air. For example, when describing a stifling day, it implies a combination of high temperatures and humidity that can make it difficult to breathe or feel comfortable. This term is commonly used to describe oppressive heat and conditions that can be suffocating or overwhelming. For instance, a stifling summer day in Virginia may be characterized by intense humidity that makes it hard to cool down or find relief.

What is the proper way to say ‘stifling’ out loud?

The proper way to say ‘stifling’ out loud is to pronounce it as “STY-fuh-ling.” The emphasis is on the first syllable, which is pronounced as “sty” with a short “i” sound. The second syllable is pronounced as “fuh” with a short “u” sound, and the final syllable is pronounced as “ling” with a soft “g” sound. The word ‘stifling’ means to suffocate or suppress, and it is important to pronounce it correctly to ensure effective communication.

Can you provide a phonetic breakdown of the word ‘stifling’?

Sure! The word “stifling” is pronounced as /ˈstīf(ə)liNG/. In this phonetic breakdown, the symbol /ˈ/ represents the primary stress on the first syllable “stīf,” the symbol /ə/ represents the schwa sound often heard in unstressed syllables, and the symbol /ŋ/ represents the “ng” sound at the end of the word. The pronunciation of “stifling” can vary slightly depending on regional accents, but this breakdown should give a general idea of how the word is pronounced.

How do you pronounce stifling in the US?

In the US, the word “stifling” is pronounced as “STY-fuh-ling.” To break it down phonetically, it is pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable “STY,” followed by a short “uh” sound, and ending with “ling.” When saying the word, make sure to enunciate each syllable clearly to ensure the correct pronunciation. If needed, you can practice saying the word slowly at first, then gradually increase your speed until you feel comfortable pronouncing it fluently.

Are there regional variations in the pronunciation of ‘stifling’ within the United States?

Yes, there are regional variations in the pronunciation of ‘stifling’ within the United States. The pronunciation of words can vary based on regional accents and dialects. In the case of ‘stifling’, some regions may pronounce it as “STY-fuh-ling” with a long “i” sound, while others may pronounce it as “STIF-ling” with a short “i” sound. Additionally, factors such as cultural influences and historical linguistic developments can also contribute to variations in pronunciation across different regions of the United States.

In what language does the word ‘stifling’ have a different pronunciation?

The word “stifling” is pronounced differently in British English compared to American English. In British English, the pronunciation is “STIE-fling” with the stress on the first syllable, while in American English, it is pronounced as “STIF-ling” with the stress on the second syllable. This difference in pronunciation is due to variations in accent and phonetic rules between the two dialects. It is important to note that pronunciation can also vary within different regions of the same country, so there may be further variations in how “stifling” is pronounced.

Is the pronunciation of ‘stifling’ the same in British English as in American English?

The pronunciation of “stifling” is generally the same in both British English and American English. It is pronounced as “STY-fuh-ling” in both accents. The main difference between British and American English pronunciation usually lies in the accent and intonation rather than the pronunciation of individual words. However, slight variations in pronunciation can occur due to regional accents within each country. Overall, when it comes to the word “stifling,” the pronunciation remains consistent across both British and American English.

What does feel stifling mean?

Feeling stifling typically refers to a sensation of being suffocated or restricted, whether physically or emotionally. It can describe a situation where one feels overwhelmed, trapped, or limited in their actions or expression. This feeling can arise from external factors such as being in a crowded or confined space, as well as internal factors like emotional pressure or constraints. For example, having someone constantly monitoring or controlling your actions can be described as stifling. The term originates from the Middle English word “stuffle,” which means to kill by cutting off air, emphasizing the sense of being deprived of freedom or space. Overall, feeling stifling suggests a sense of being constrained, restricted, or oppressed in some way.

How is the word ‘stifling’ pronounced phonetically?

The word “stifling” is pronounced phonetically as /ˈstīflɪŋ/. This means that the stress is on the first syllable, “stīf”, and the vowel sound in the second syllable is a short “i” sound, as in “sit”. The final “ng” is pronounced as a velar nasal sound, similar to the “ng” in the word “sing”. Overall, the pronunciation of “stifling” is two syllables with the emphasis on the first syllable.

What does Stiflingly mean?

The term “stiflingly” is an adverb that describes a situation where one feels unable to breathe due to excessive heat or lack of fresh air. It is used to convey a sense of suffocation or discomfort caused by oppressive heat or poor ventilation. For example, if a room is described as stiflingly hot, it means that the temperature is so high that it is making it difficult to breathe comfortably. The term is often used to emphasize the intensity of the heat or lack of air circulation in a particular environment.

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