Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

descant

/ˈdɛskænt/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 1.76 in modern English

Syllables
des-cant
IPA
/ˈdɛskænt/
10
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
2
Syllables
7
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A lengthy discourse on a subject.

verb

To discuss at length.

Intransitive verb

verb

To sing or play a descant.

Intransitive verb

Example Sentences

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman descaunt, from Medieval Latin discantus. Doublet of discant.

Word Breakdown

  • Root: *keh₂n-, descaunt, discantus

Regional Pronunciation

  • British English: /ˈdɛskænt/

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce descant?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈdɛskænt/.
What does descant mean?
A lengthy discourse on a subject.
Where does descant come from?
From Anglo-Norman descaunt, from Medieval Latin discantus. Doublet of discant.

How to pronounce descant

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