2 syllables: daunt, ing. Stress on daunt.
DAWN-ting
/ˈdɔntɪŋ/
daunting is pronounced DAWN-ting (/ˈdɔntɪŋ/). It has two syllables (daunt-ing), with the stress on "daunt". Daunting describes something that feels intimidating or formidable, presenting a challenge that makes you hesitate or feel overwhelmed. It often implies a perception of difficulty that may deter action, yet also signals the potential for growth if confronted. The word carries a slightly negative tone, emphasizing the scale of the task rather than the task’s inherent impossibility.
Daunting describes something that feels intimidating or formidable, presenting a challenge that makes you hesitate or feel overwhelmed. It often implies a perception of difficulty that may deter action, yet also signals the potential for growth if confronted. The word carries a slightly negative tone, emphasizing the scale of the task rather than the task’s inherent impossibility.
"The sheer length of the manuscript was daunting, but he began outlining a plan anyway."
"Climbing the steep trail looked daunting at first, yet we took it one switchback at a time."
"The math homework seemed daunting until she broke it into smaller steps."
Pronounce DAWN-ting with primary stress on DAWN. The first syllable uses the /ɔː/ (as in 'law') or /ɑː/ quality in many accents, followed by a light /n/ then the unstressed /tɪŋ/ as in 'ting.' IPA: US/UK/AU /ˈdɔːn.tɪŋ/; note the second syllable is a short, reducing -ing. Mouth position: start with an open jaw, rounded lips for /ɔː/, tongue high-mid behind the lower teeth, then a light /n/, and finish with a crisp /t/ followed by a reduced /ɪŋ/.
Two common errors: (1) Misplacing the stress or making the first syllable too short; ensure primary stress on DAWN- (ˈdɔːn). (2) Overpronouncing the final -ing as /ɪŋ/ with full schwa; instead keep it short and light: /tɪŋ/. Correcting tip: practice DAWN with a held vowel, then immediately add the light /t/ and short -ɪŋ. Listening to native models can help; use minimal pairs like ‘daunt’ vs ‘daunting’ to feel the transition.
In US, UK, and AU, the primary stress remains on the first syllable, with /ɔː/ or /ɔ/ vowel quality. US speakers may have a slightly tighter /ɑ/ in some regional accents; UK speakers often maintain a clearer /ɔː/ with non-rhoticity, and AU follows similar patterns but may have a slightly broader vowel in some dialects. The /t/ is typically released as a crisp alveolar stop in all, with /tɪŋ/ ending.
The difficulty lies in the first syllable's vowel quality and the quick, unreduced ending. The /ɔː/ or /ɑː/ can be challenging if your native language doesn’t use these open or back vowels. Additionally, the softening of /t/ before -ing can feel subtle in connected speech. Practice with slow, deliberate enunciation of /ˈdɔːn.tɪŋ/ to build the muscle memory needed for natural speed.
Does the first syllable in 'daunting' carry a lengthened vowel in your dialect, and how does that affect the following /n/ and /t/ transitions? In many accents, the vowel in /dɔːn/ is longer before /t/; paying attention to this length helps you avoid a rushed /tɪŋ/ and a smoother DAWN-ting.
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Daunting comes from the verb daunt, which originates from the Old French daunter, meaning 'to subdue, to frighten.' The root stem ultimately derives from Latin dampnare or domitare, implying to deter or subdue, though the precise lineage is debated. The form in English began appearing in the 17th century, initially conveying the sense of intimidating or discouraging action. By the 18th and 19th centuries, daunting broadened to describe not just fear but the perception of something imposing or formidable in challenge. Over time, daunt as a verb faded somewhat in everyday usage, while the adjective daunting became a common descriptor across various registers, from literary prose to everyday speech, retaining its sense of psychological or emotional weight when facing tasks, goals, or obstacles.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "daunting" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "daunting" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "daunting" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "daunting"
-ing sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
