How to Pronounce Authority

To pronounce "authority", say AUTH-or-ity — 3 syllables, IPA /əˈθɔɹəti/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

authority

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/əˈθɔɹəti/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/ɐθˈɒɹɪtˌi/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “authority”

"authority" has 3 syllables: auth-or-ity. It rhymes with superiority and priority, if that helps it stick.

What does authority mean?

noun

The power to enforce rules or give orders.
“I have the authority to penalise the staff in my department, but not the authority to sack them.”
(used in singular or plural form) Persons in command; specifically, government.

Hear “authority” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with authority

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

superiority priority inferiority minority majority sorority seniority supermajority dority

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "authority"?▾

"Authority" has 3 syllables: auth · or · ity.

What is the IPA transcription of "authority"?▾

The IPA transcription of "authority" is /əˈθɔɹəti/.

What does "authority" mean?▾

Authority: The power to enforce rules or give orders.

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