2 syllables: gree, dy. Stress on gree.
GREE-dee
/ˈɡɹidi/
greedy is pronounced GREE-dee (/ˈɡɹidi/). It has two syllables (gree-dy), with the stress on "gree". Greedy describes a strong, selfish desire to obtain or keep more than one needs or deserves, often at the expense of others. It conveys an intensified drive for material or sensory gain, sometimes flagged by stinginess or a compulsive appetite. In usage, it typically labels behavior rather than a permanent character trait, and can carry a mildly negative or critical tone.
Greedy describes a strong, selfish desire to obtain or keep more than one needs or deserves, often at the expense of others. It conveys an intensified drive for material or sensory gain, sometimes flagged by stinginess or a compulsive appetite. In usage, it typically labels behavior rather than a permanent character trait, and can carry a mildly negative or critical tone.
"- The greedy landlord raised rents again despite the tenants’ protests."
"- He has a greedy appetite for success, never satisfied with ordinary results."
"- The child’s greedy grab for all the cookies upset the balance at snack time."
Pronounce it as GREE-dee with two syllables. IPA US/UK/AU: /ˈɡriːdi/. Start with a hard G, then a long E vowel as in 'see', followed by a clear /d/ and a final /i/ as in 'see' again. The primary stress is on the first syllable: GREE-.
Common errors include pronouncing the two syllables as GRY-uh-dee or shortening the first vowel to a lax /ɪ/ instead of the long /iː/. Some learners also soften the /d/ or blend the final /i/ with the onset of the next word. Correct by ensuring the first vowel is a long /iː/ (as in ‘see’) and articulating a crisp /d/ before the final /iː/ if the pace is slow; in fast speech the /iː/ remains discernible.
In US/UK/AU, /ˈɡriːdi/ is consistent for the first two syllables, with rhoticity affecting only the following phrases, not the word itself. The main variation is vowel quality: some UK speakers slightly raise the /iː/ and practice a shorter, tenser /iː/; Australian accents often have a more centralized or diphthongal realization of /iː/ in rapid speech. Overall, the nucleus remains a long /iː/ and the /d/ is a clear alveolar stop in all three.
The difficulty sits in maintaining the long vowel /iː/ while transitioning quickly to a crisp /d/ and short /i/ in natural speech. Learners often vocalize a short /ɪ/ or slur the /di/ into /di/ or /dɪ/ and lose the long vowel. Also, the /r/ influence in some accents affects preceding vowel length. Focus on a steady, long first vowel and a precise, audible /d/ before the final /iː/ to preserve the intended rhythm.
Greedy’s key feature is the long /iː/ followed by a crisp /d/ and a final /iː/. The word’s Achilles’ heel for many speakers is the quick, weak onset of the second syllable, which can obscure the /d/ or turn it into a flap. Keep the /d/ strong, and practice with two context sentences to lock the boundary: GREE-di and GREE-dy, ensuring the second /iː/ remains fully articulated.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "greedy"!
The word greedy comes from the Middle English word greed, from Old English grēd meaning ‘vaunting or greed’ with the suffix -y denoting having the quality of. The semantic journey focuses on an intense desire for more, particularly wealth or food. By the 14th century, greedy described people who hoarded or coveted excess, aligning with moral and social critique common in medieval literature. Over time, its usage broadened to describe any overpowering urge beyond reasonable need, including non-material cravings like power or control. In modern contexts, greedy can carry a moral overtone but is also used more neutrally in casual speech, depending on tone. First known uses appear in translations of Latin and Germanic moral tales, where characters are judged by their greed, and the term gradually entered the English lexicon as an adjective describing such behavior.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "greedy" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "greedy" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "greedy" 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 "greedy"
-edy 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.
