How to Pronounce Idea

To pronounce "idea", say ID-ea — 2 syllables, IPA /ɑeˈdiə̯/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

idea

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

4

Letters

/ɑeˈdiə̯/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “idea

"idea" has 2 syllables: id-ea. It rhymes with stria and asea, if that helps it stick.

What does idea mean?

noun

  1. An abstract archetype of a given thing, compared to which real-life examples are seen as imperfect approximations; pure essence, as opposed to actual examples.
  2. The conception of someone or something as representing a perfect example; an ideal.

Synonyms

Hear “idea” 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 idea

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

Related words

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "idea"?

"Idea" has 2 syllables: id · ea.

What is the IPA transcription of "idea"?

The IPA transcription of "idea" is /ɑeˈdiə̯/.

What does "idea" mean?

Idea: An abstract archetype of a given thing, compared to which real-life examples are seen as imperfect approximations; pure essence, as opposed to actual examples.

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