How to Pronounce “privacy”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ˈpraɪvəsi/
- British (UK)
- /ˈprɪvəsi/
What “privacy” means
noun — Freedom from being observed or disturbed by others.
Example: The hedge gives the garden some privacy.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “privacy” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈpraɪvəsi/ 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. /ˈpraɪvəsi/ 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 "privacy" mean?
privacy (noun): Freedom from being observed or disturbed by others. For example — The hedge gives the garden some privacy.
How do you pronounce "privacy" in American vs British English?
American English: /ˈpraɪvəsi/. British English: /ˈprɪvəsi/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.
What is the IPA transcription of "privacy"?
/ˈpraɪvəsi/ in American English, /ˈprɪvəsi/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "privacy"?
“privacy” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈpraɪvəsi/ 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.
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