2 syllables: De, mon. Stress on De.
DEE-muhn
/ˈdimən/
Demon is pronounced DEE-muhn (/ˈdimən/). It has two syllables (De-mon), with the stress on "De". Demon is a noun referring to a supernatural being typically malevolent, or metaphorically, a frightening or problematic force within. It denotes an incorporeal or spiritual entity often depicted as evil in folklore and religion, or as a figurative ‘demon’ causing trouble. The term can also describe an exceptionally frustrating or destructive element in a person or situation.
nounDemon is a noun referring to a supernatural being typically malevolent, or metaphorically, a frightening or problematic force within. It denotes an incorporeal or spiritual entity often depicted as evil in folklore and religion, or as a figurative ‘demon’ causing trouble. The term can also describe an exceptionally frustrating or destructive element in a person or situation.
"The old mansion was rumored to be haunted by a demon that terrorized the residents."
"She fought her own inner demon of doubt during the performance."
"The project faced a legal demon—an unexpected regulatory snag that stalled progress."
You pronounce it with two syllables: /ˈdiː.mən/ in US, UK, and AU. The stress is on the first syllable: 'DEE-mən'. The vowel is a long 'ee' in the first syllable, and the final 'mon' is a schwa + n or 'mən' sound. Listen to native speakers and single-syllable cues: 'DEE' + 'mun' (with relaxed final). For audio reference, compare with Cambridge/Forvo pronunciations.
Common errors: pronouncing the first syllable as 'dee-MEN' with stress on the second syllable, or using a short 'e' as in 'bed' for the first vowel. Correct by keeping the first syllable tense and long: /ˈdiː/ and reducing the second syllable to a quick schwa /mən/. Also avoid 'd' silent-like 'doom-an' by maintaining the 'd' sound and not glossing the 'm' into 'n'.
In US/UK/AU, the primary difference is vowel quality in the first syllable and rhoticity. US and AU typically have rhotic pronunciation with a strong /ɹ/ in 'di-'; UK often uses non-rhotic accents, though /ˈdiː.mən/ remains. In all three, the second syllable reduces to /ən/ with a schwa. Vowel length is less marked in UK than in some US dialects. Minor variations include /ˈdimən/ vs /ˈdiː.mən/ depending on speaker.
Because the first vowel is long and tense in /ˈdiː/ while the second syllable has a quick, reduced /ən/. The blend between the long open front vowel and the nasal /m/ followed by a schwa can trip non-native speakers. Also, some learners misplace stress, saying /ˈdɛ.mən/ or /ˈdi.mən/ with a reduced first vowel. Listen for the clear /iː/ quality and ensure the final /ən/ is unstressed and quick.
The unique aspect is the potential ambiguity between the word 'demon' and 'demon' as an initial 'de-' vs an 'de-mo n' combination; the pronunciation does not alter by meaning, but homophony with 'demon' itself is a common search topic and you’ll hear two-syllable, stress-first syllables with a long 'ee' vowel.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Demon" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Demon"
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