How to Pronounce “freedom”

American (US)

/ˈfɹi.dəm/

British (UK)

/ˈfɹiːdəm/

Australian (AU)

/ˈfɹiːdəm/

noun — The state of being free.

Example: Having recently been released from prison, he didn't know what to do with his newfound freedom.

Where the stress falls. “freedom” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈfɹi.dəm/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈfɹi.dəm/ 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.

What does "freedom" mean?

freedom (noun): The state of being free. For example — Having recently been released from prison, he didn't know what to do with his newfound freedom.

How do you pronounce "freedom" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈfɹi.dəm/. British English: /ˈfɹiːdəm/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "freedom"?

/ˈfɹi.dəm/ in American English, /ˈfɹiːdəm/ in British English, /ˈfɹiːdəm/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "freedom"?

“freedom” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈfɹi.dəm/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

• Long E sound words