One syllable: Dais.
dayz
/deɪz/
Dais is pronounced dayz (/deɪz/). It has one syllable (Dais), with the stress on "Dais". Dais is a raised platform in a courtroom or hall from which speakers address an audience. It also refers to a dais in architecture or a stand for flowers. The term conveys a formal, elevated vantage point and is distinct from a podium, though similar in function. It originates from Old French and Latin roots and carries ceremonial connotation in many contexts.
nounDais is a raised platform in a courtroom or hall from which speakers address an audience. It also refers to a dais in architecture or a stand for flowers. The term conveys a formal, elevated vantage point and is distinct from a podium, though similar in function. It originates from Old French and Latin roots and carries ceremonial connotation in many contexts.
"The witness stepped onto the dais to testify before the jury."
"The wedding guests gathered on the dais for the ceremonial toast."
"A small dais lay at the front of the stage, supporting the orchestra."
You say it as /ˈdeɪ.ɪs/. The primary stress is on the first syllable: DEY-iss. Start with the long A in 'day' and then a short /ɪ/ before /s/. Think of pronouncing “day” quickly and adding a light /ɪs/ after it. Audio references: you can hear it as /ˈdeɪ.ɪs/ in standard dictionaries and pronunciation videos.
Common mistakes include misplacing the vowel: saying /dæɪs/ (like ‘days’ in some accents) or running the two syllables together with a reduced second syllable, producing /ˈdeɪs/ or /ˈdeɪ.ɪs/ with the second vowel almost silent. Another error is stressing the second syllable as in some words with a schwa; correct is first-syllable stress. Keep the /ɪ/ distinct before the final /s/ for a clean DAIS sound.
In US, UK, and AU, /ˈdeɪ.ɪs/ remains the same for standard speech, but vowel quality around /eɪ/ can differ slightly: US tends toward a brighter diphthong with a more open ending; UK may yield a tighter /eɪ/ and crisper /ɪ/; AU often features a slightly broader airstream and a taller vowel in some speakers, though the difference is subtle. The main factor is non-rhoticity differences do not affect this word, as the word itself doesn’t require rhotic coloring in any of these accents.
The challenge lies in the two-syllable structure with a clear, stressed first syllable and a short, distinct second vowel. Students often blur the /ɪ/ or merge the two syllables into /deɪs/. Also, the word is easily confused with ‘days’ in rapid speech. Focus on separating /ˈdeɪ/ from /ɪs/, maintaining a light, crisp /s/ to avoid slurring. Practice with minimal pairs like dais/as and use slow pronunciation to ensure accurate timing.
Dais is a platform word with a specific two-syllable pattern and a pronounced first syllable. Unlike many two-syllable words, the second syllable carries a distinct /ɪs/ rather than reduced vowels. The contrast to similar-looking words like ‘days’ lies in the preserved /ɪ/ rather than a simple /eɪ/ or silent. Paying attention to the /ɪ/ and the crisp /s/ ensures correct articulation and helps you avoid homophone errors in rapid speech.
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Dais comes from the Old French word dais, ultimately tracing to the Latin dasus, a form related to donare and ‘place’ or ‘seat.’ In English, dais originally described a raised place or platform for distinguished people and oral presentation. The word appears in Middle English texts by the 14th century, often in legal and ceremonial contexts. Over time, dais broadened to include architectural dais—ornamental platforms in churches and theaters—and later more generic elevated stages. The semantic trajectory shows a shift from a specific ceremonial platform to a general term for any raised, prominent place used for speaking or visibility. Its continuity with words like dais-like “deis” reflects shared Romance roots around seating, elevation, and honor. By the 19th and 20th centuries, dais became common in legal and formal scenography, maintaining a stable meaning of an elevated speaking or leadership position. First known uses appear in medieval legal and ecclesiastical documents where elevated seating signified authority and address to an audience.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Dais" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Dais" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Dais"
-ise sounds
-aze sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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