5 syllables: De, fa, ma, to, ry. Stress on fa.
dif-AM-uh-taw-ree
/dɪˈfæməˌtɔɹi/
Defamatory is pronounced dif-AM-uh-taw-ree (/dɪˈfæməˌtɔɹi/). It has five syllables (De-fa-ma-to-ry), with the stress on "fa". Defamatory is an adjective describing statements or allegations that are untrue and damaging to a person’s reputation. It typically refers to written or spoken content intended to harm someone's character, often subject to legal scrutiny. The term implies falsehood and harm, distinguishing it from fair comment or opinion.
adjectiveDefamatory is an adjective describing statements or allegations that are untrue and damaging to a person’s reputation. It typically refers to written or spoken content intended to harm someone's character, often subject to legal scrutiny. The term implies falsehood and harm, distinguishing it from fair comment or opinion.
"The tabloid published defamatory claims that were later discredited in court."
"She filed a lawsuit after his article contained defamatory statements about her professional conduct."
"The columnist was accused of making defamatory remarks that could ruin the company’s reputation."
Pronounce it as dɪ-ˈfæ-mə-ˌtɔr-ē (US) or dɪ-ˈfam-ə-tɔː-ri (UK). Primary stress falls on the second syllable ‘FAM’ and the final ‘-tor-y’ remains light but clear. Start with a short, relaxed ‘di’ before the stressed ‘FAY’/‘FAM’ vowel, then a schwa in the third syllable, ending with a crisp ‘tory’ or ‘tor-ee’ sound. Audio reference: consult standard dictionaries or pronunciations on Pronounce or Forvo for region-specific guidance.
Common errors: 1) Misplacing stress on the first syllable (def-uh-MAY-tuh-ree) instead of the second (def-uh-MA-tuh-ree). 2) Slurring the -ma- into -muh- and rushing the -tory, making the ending unclear. 3) Pronouncing the final -ry as a separate clear syllable instead of a reduced -ree sound. Correction: emphasize the second syllable with a clear ‘ma’ and keep the final -tory light and quick, like -tuh-ree. IPA cues: US dɪˈfæməˌtɔri, UK dɪˈfæmətɔːri.
US: dɪˈfæməˌtɔri with rhotic r and a strong second syllable. UK: dɪˈfæmətɔːri or dɪˈfæm.ə.tɔːr.i with non-rhotic r and a longer -ɔː- in -tɔːri. AU: dɪˈfæmətɔːri, similar to UK but with Australian vowel warmth and subtle vowel mergers. Focus on the stressed second syllable and the final -o- or -ɔr- sequence. IPA references align to region-specific dictionaries.
Two main challenges: 1) The sequence -fæ-mə- can be tricky with a quick shift from the stressed consonant cluster to a schwa. 2) The final -tory often carries a light, fast -ri- or -ri/-ree sound depending on dialect. Practice by isolating the stressed -ma- and practicing a quick, light -tory ending. IPA: dɪˈfæməˌtɔri (US) vs dɪˈfæmətɔːri (UK/AU).
The word’s unusual feature is the combination of -m- and -a- with a trailing -tory, where the -tory often reduces to a soft -təri or -tɔri. This can cause listeners to momentarily hear -defa- instead of -defa-ma-. Emphasize the ‘ma’ as a distinct nucleus and then glide into the light -tory ending. IPA anchors: US dɪˈfæməˌtɔri.
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Defamatory comes from Late Latin defamatorius, from the verb defamare (to bring into disrepute) + -ory. The root defama- traces to Latin defāmas, combining de- (down, away) with fāma (fame, report, reputation). The English form defame emerged in the 14th century, originally meaning to damage a person’s good name or reputation. By the 17th century, defamatory as an adjective with the sense of containing or constituting defamation took hold in legal and literary contexts. Over time, the word broadened beyond strict legal defamation to describe any statement or publication that harms reputation through falsehoods or gross misrepresentation. First known uses appear in English law and moral philosophy texts, where reputational harm was a central concern and defamation statutes were being developed across Europe. In modern usage, defamatory is commonly used in media, journalism, and legal language to label statements that are both false and injurious to character.
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Words that rhyme with "Defamatory"
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