How to pronounce privacy
Say it like PRY-vuh-see. Privacy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce privacy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PRY
- vuh
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: The first vowel differs: 'PRY-vuh-see' in the US, 'PRIV-uh-see' in Britain.
Privacy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PRYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- vuhKeep 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 privacy
American and British speakers say privacy in essentially the same way: /ˈpraɪvəsi/ in the US and /ˈprɪvəsi/ in the UK.
British respelling: PRIV-uh-see.
What does privacy mean?
- the quality of being secluded from the presence or view of others
- the condition of being concealed or hidden
Where does privacy come from?
From priv(ate) + -acy.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying privacy
How do you pronounce privacy?
Say PRY-vuh-see. The American pronunciation is /ˈpraɪvəsi/. In British English it is /ˈprɪvəsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in privacy?
Privacy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRY). Broken into parts: PRY · vuh · see.
Do Americans and Brits say privacy the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpraɪvəsi/ and the British form is /ˈprɪvəsi/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.