How to pronounce idiocy
Say it like ID-ee-uh-see. Idiocy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ID).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce idiocy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ID
- ee
- uh
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Idiocy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- IDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of idiocy
American and British speakers say idiocy in essentially the same way: /ˈɪdiəsi/ in the US and /ˈɪdiəsi/ in the UK.
British respelling: ID-ee-uh-see.
What does idiocy mean?
- Lack of intelligence or sense; extremely foolish behavior.“The administrators, growing tired of such idiocy, put a new policy in place.”
- An idiotic act or utterance.“The list of his idiocies is seemingly interminable.”
Where does idiocy come from?
From French idiotie, from Old French idiot.
Questions about saying idiocy
How do you pronounce idiocy?
Say ID-ee-uh-see. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪdiəsi/. In British English it is /ˈɪdiəsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in idiocy?
Idiocy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ID). Broken into parts: ID · ee · uh · see.
Do Americans and Brits say idiocy the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɪdiəsi/ and the British form is /ˈɪdiəsi/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.