How to Pronounce “audacious”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ɔˈdeɪ.ʃəs/
- British (UK)
- /ɔːˈdeɪ.ʃəs/
What “audacious” means
adjective — Showing willingness to take bold risks; recklessly daring.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “audacious” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ɔˈdeɪ.ʃəs/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ɔˈdeɪ.ʃəs/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "audacious" mean?
audacious (adjective): Showing willingness to take bold risks; recklessly daring.
How do you pronounce "audacious" in American vs British English?
American English: /ɔˈdeɪ.ʃəs/. British English: /ɔːˈdeɪ.ʃəs/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.
What is the IPA transcription of "audacious"?
/ɔˈdeɪ.ʃəs/ in American English, /ɔːˈdeɪ.ʃəs/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "audacious"?
“audacious” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ɔˈdeɪ.ʃəs/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
Related words to practice
Browse the full word index or use the pronunciation tool.