3 syllables: Co, te, rie. Stress on Co.
KOH-tur-ee
/ˈkoʊtɚi/
Coterie is pronounced KOH-tur-ee (/ˈkoʊtɚi/). It has three syllables (Co-te-rie), with the stress on "Co". A coterie is a small, exclusive group of people who share interests or activities and exclude others. It often implies intimate familiarity and a somewhat cliquish or private nature within a larger social circle.
nounA coterie is a small, exclusive group of people who share interests or activities and exclude others. It often implies intimate familiarity and a somewhat cliquish or private nature within a larger social circle.
How to Pronounce Coterie
"The writer moved in a glittering coterie that met every Friday for exclusive readings."
"Despite its prestige, the coterie welcomed a few outsiders who proved their loyalty."
"She felt trapped by the coterie’s constant gossip and mellowed attitudes."
Pronounce it COH-tuh-ree in US English and KOH-tuh-ree in many UK variants; the first syllable bears primary stress. IPA: US/UK: /ˈkoʊtəri/ or /ˈkəʊtəri/. In careful speech you’ll hear a very light schwa on the middle syllable and a clear final vowel in many accents. Tip: keep the vowel in the second syllable short, so it doesn’t drift toward a long 'oh' sound.
Common errors include stressing the second syllable or flattening the middle vowel into a full 'oh' in US speech. Another is pronouncing it as caught-uh-ree with a long 'o' in all syllables. Correction: place primary stress on the first syllable, use a short, neutral schwa in the middle, and end with a clean 'ree' or 'ri' ending. IPA guides: /ˈkoʊtəri/ or /ˈkəʊtəri/.
US tends to /ˈkoʊtəri/ with full 'oh' in the first syllable and a light, unstressed middle; UK often /ˈkəʊtəri/ with a slightly reduced first vowel and crisper final syllable; Australian tends to /ˈkɒtəɹi/ or /ˈkəʊtəɹi/ depending on speaker, with a broader 'o' in the first syllable and rhoticity varying. The r is typically non-rhotic in British English but pronounced in some American and Australian varieties depending on region.
Two main challenges: the initial stressed syllable with a tense /oʊ/ or /əʊ/ that can slide toward 'co' as in 'coat' or 'cot'; and the middle syllable’s schwa quality that’s short and unstressed, which can be pronounced too openly. The final 'rie' is typically /ri/ or /riː/—keep it light and not drawn-out. Focus on consistent vowel lengths and a crisp final consonant or vowel.
Coterie has no silent letters; the key is stress on the first syllable and a reduced second syllable. The 'e' at the end is typically not silent; it influences the /i/ sounding like a long 'ee' in some accents but is often shortened. Emphasize the first syllable, treat the middle as a weak vowel, and finish with a crisp 'rie' sound.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Coterie"!
Coterie comes from French, ultimately from Old French cotêter (to fence or border with a hedge) and the noun coterie (a group bound by common interests). The modern sense—that is, a small, exclusive circle of people with shared interests—developed in 17th–18th century English, resonating with French social terms of the period. The word likely plays on the idea of members “surrounded” by shared tastes or pursuits, as a cohesive cluster or hedge. Influences from Latin via French can be observed in related terms for groups or circles of friends. Early uses emphasize a close-knit, sometimes insular association, often with connotations of social importance or insider status. By the 19th and 20th centuries, coterie entered broader usage in literary criticism and social commentary, describing literary salons, artistic circles, and policy cliques, while preserving its sense of selectivity and exclusivity.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Coterie" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Coterie" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Coterie" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Coterie"
-ery sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
