Learn How to Pronounce idiot

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Try:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

idiot

Definition:

(nou) a person of subnormal intelligence

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈɪdɪət

Examples:

This fool is a certifiable idiot.

John Thune is the most stupid idiot in the world.

He is such a stripling and an idiot.

Learn more about:

idiot

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: idiot

Learn Individual Sounds

Break idiot down into individual sounds such as ˈɪdɪət. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say idiot in their accents, then try to repeat after them.

Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

Record Yourself

Say idiot in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with idiot.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of idiot pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "i-DI-ot" [ˈɪd.i.ət]. The correct stress is on the first syllable: "IDI-ot" [ˈɪd.i.ət]. Tip: Practice saying "IDI-ot" with emphasis on "ID".
  2. Incorrect vowel sounds: Some pronounce "idiot" with an "ee" sound as in "see" [ˈiːd.i.ət]. The correct vowel is a short "i" sound [ˈɪd.i.ət]. Tip: Focus on the "i" in "it" when practicing.
  3. Overemphasizing "t": Learners might pronounce the "t" at the end too strongly, leading to "idi-OT" [ˈɪd.iˈɒt]. The correct pronunciation has a softer "t": "idiot" [ˈɪd.i.ət]. Tip: Practice with a quick, light "t" sound.
  4. Omitting the middle syllable: Some may say "idiot" as "ID-it" [ˈɪd.ɪt], dropping the middle syllable. The full pronunciation includes all three syllables: "IDI-ot" [ˈɪd.i.ət]. Tip: Break it down into three parts when practicing.
  5. Mixing up regional accents: In some accents, learners might confuse the pronunciation between US and UK versions, saying "idiot" as "ID-ee-it" [ˈɪd.i.ɪt]. The correct US/UK pronunciation is "IDI-ot" [ˈɪd.i.ət]. Tip: Listen to native speakers from both regions to grasp the differences.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "idiot"?

In both American and British English, "idiot" is pronounced as /ˈɪd.i.ət/. The stress is on the first syllable, "id," which rhymes with "hid."

What are the syllables in "idiot"?

The word "idiot" has three syllables: "id," "i," and "ot." You can break it down as /ˈɪd.i.ət/, where the first syllable is stressed.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "idiot"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "idiot" with the second syllable stressed instead of the first. Remember to emphasize the "id" part: /ˈɪd.i.ət/.

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "idiot" in American and British English?

No, the pronunciation of "idiot" is the same in both American and British English, as /ˈɪd.i.ət/. Both dialects stress the first syllable, keeping the pronunciation consistent.