how to pronounce suspense

/səsˈpɛns/

audio example by a male speaker

audio example by a female speaker

the above transcription of suspense is a detailed (narrow) transcription according to the rules of the International Phonetic Association; you can find a description of each symbol by clicking the phoneme buttons in the secction below.

suspense is pronounced in two syllables

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1.

2. example pitch curve for pronunciation of suspense

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video examples of suspense pronunciation

An example use of suspense in a speech by a native speaker of american english:

“… the suspense of a final vote I want an …”

meanings of suspense

noun:

The unpleasant emotion of anxiety or apprehension in an uncertain situation.
The pleasurable emotion of anticipation and excitement regarding the outcome or climax of a book, film etc.
The condition of being suspended; cessation for a time.
A temporary cessation of one's right; suspension, as when the rent or other profits of land cease by unity of possession of land and rent.

adjective:

Held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding.
Expressing, or proceeding from, suspense or doubt.

suspense frequency in english - C1 level of CEFR

the word suspense occurs in english on average 9.1 times per one million words; this frequency warrants it to be in the study list for C1 level of language mastery according to CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference.