Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

-ance

/-əns/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 2.00 in modern English

Syllables: -ance
IPA: /-əns/

6

Scrabble Score

4

Letters

2

Syllables

4

Unique Chars

Meaning

suffix

Added to an adjective or verb to form a noun indicating a state or condition, such as result or capacity, associated with the verb.

Countable; Uncountable

suffix

Added to a verb to form a noun indicating a process or action.

Countable; Uncountable

Example Sentences

"ally + -ance → alliance"
"perform + -ance → performance"
"reluct + -ance → reluctance"
"appear + -ance → appearance"
"resist + -ance → resistance"

Etymology

From Middle English -aunce, -ance, from Anglo-Norman -aunce and continental Old French -ance, from Latin -ant-, -ent- + -ia, from stem of Latin -āns, -ēns.

Origin

Source language: Middle English

Word Breakdown

Root: -aunce, -ance, -āns
Suffix: -ia

Usage

Inflected Forms

-ances (plural) -ence (alternative) ⠨⠑ (alternative)

Phrases

-ency

Frequently Paired Words

-ency

Questions

How do you pronounce -ance?: The recorded pronunciation is /-əns/.
What does -ance mean?: Added to an adjective or verb to form a noun indicating a state or condition, such as result or capacity, associated with the verb.
Where does -ance come from?: It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce -ance

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “-ance”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/-əns/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “-ance”.
Repeat and practice — Say “-ance” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.