How to pronounce theory
Say it like THIR-ee. Theory has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (THIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce theory. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- THIR
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Theory pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- THIRSay 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.
American vs British pronunciation of theory
American and British speakers say theory in essentially the same way: /ˈθɪri/ in the US and /ˈθɪəri/ in the UK.
British respelling: THEER-ree.
What does theory mean?
- a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena“theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypotheses”“true in fact and theory”
- a tentative insight into the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena“a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory”“he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices”
- a belief that can guide behavior“the architect has a theory that more is less”“they killed him on the theory that dead men tell no tales”
Words that rhyme with theory
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of theory.
Questions about saying theory
How do you pronounce theory?
Say THIR-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈθɪri/. In British English it is /ˈθɪəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in theory?
Theory has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (THIR). Broken into parts: THIR · ee.
Do Americans and Brits say theory the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈθɪri/ and the British form is /ˈθɪəri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.