How to pronounce idea
Say it like eye-DEE-uh. Idea has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce idea. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- eye
- DEE
- uh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Idea pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- eyeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- DEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of idea
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
British respelling: eye-DEER.
What does idea mean?
- the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about“it was not a good idea”“the thought never entered my mind”
- your intention; what you intend to do“he had in mind to see his old teacher”“the idea of the game is to capture all the pieces”
- a personal view“he has an idea that we don't like him”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with idea
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of idea.
Questions about saying idea
How do you pronounce idea?
Say eye-DEE-uh. The American pronunciation is /aɪˈdiə/. In British English it is /aɪˈdɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in idea?
Idea has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DEE). Broken into parts: eye · DEE · uh.
Is idea pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /aɪˈdɪə/ (eye-DEER).