How to pronounce autonomy
Say it like aw-TAH-nuh-mee. Autonomy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce autonomy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- aw
- TAH
- nuh
- mee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Autonomy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- awKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- TAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- nuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- meeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of autonomy
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: aw-TON-uh-mee.
What does autonomy mean?
- immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority: political independence
- personal independence
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with autonomy
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of autonomy.
Questions about saying autonomy
How do you pronounce autonomy?
Say aw-TAH-nuh-mee. The American pronunciation is /ɔˈtɑnəmi/. In British English it is /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in autonomy?
Autonomy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAH). Broken into parts: aw · TAH · nuh · mee.
Is autonomy pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ (aw-TON-uh-mee).