2 syllables: out, cry. Stress on out.
OWT-kreye
/ˈaʊtˌkɹaɪ/
outcry is pronounced OWT-kreye (/ˈaʊtˌkɹaɪ/). It has two syllables (out-cry), with the stress on "out". Outcry refers to a loud public expression of protest or disapproval. It can denote both the vocal act itself and the strong reaction it provokes, often voiced in anger or indignation. The term combines a sense of visible/audible dissent with a collective or high-volume response.
Outcry refers to a loud public expression of protest or disapproval. It can denote both the vocal act itself and the strong reaction it provokes, often voiced in anger or indignation. The term combines a sense of visible/audible dissent with a collective or high-volume response.
"The decision sparked a nationwide outcry from citizens and activists."
"There was an outcry over the proposed policy, followed by widespread demonstrations."
"Her testimony caused an outcry in the courtroom and on social media."
Pronounce as /ˈaʊt.kraɪ/. The primary stress is on the first syllable OUT, with a clear /aʊ/ diphthong. The second syllable is /kraɪ/ with a long I sound; start with a /k/ followed by /r/ blending into /aɪ/. Quick tip: keep the two syllables slightly separate for clarity. Audio reference: listen for the crisp /ˈaʊt/ onset and the /kraɪ/ nucleus.
Common errors include flapping the t to a soft /d/ (sounding like /ˈaʊt.draɪ/), or merging the two syllables too quickly so it sounds like /ˈaʊ.drɪ/ or /ˈaʊt.kraɪ/ with reduced second syllable. Another mistake is misplacing the stress, say /aʊˈt kraɪ/ or /ˈaʊtʃraɪ/. Correct by clearly releasing /t/ as /t/ in /ˈaʊt/ and then articulating /kraɪ/ with full lip rounding and tongue height for /aɪ/.
In US/UK/AU, the word retains /ˈaʊt.kraɪ/. The main difference is rhoticity and vowel quality: US tends to a slightly more rhotic /ɹ/ ahead of the /aɪ/, UK is non-rhotic with a crisper /t/, AU often mirrors UK but with a broader vowel quality in /aɪ/. All share the strong diphthong /aʊ/ in the first syllable; the second syllable uses /kraɪ/ where /aɪ/ is a long closing diphthong. Listen for the heavier vowel in /kraɪ/ in US speech and the clearer /t/ release in UK.
The difficulty lies in the two-syllable structure with a high-contrast diphthong /aʊ/ followed by a tightly closed /kraɪ/ sequence. Some speakers transpose the /t/ into a flap or merge syllables, obscuring the /t/ or /kraɪ/ transitions. Another challenge is maintaining distinct syllable boundaries in fast speech, ensuring the trigraph /t.k/ remains separate rather than blending. Practice slow, precise releases and then speed up.
Is the 'ou' in outcry ever realized as a long 'oo' sound in some rapid speech contexts? Answer: No. In standard pronunciations, 'ou' in 'out' forms the /aʊ/ diphthong, not the long /uː/ sound. Even in fast speech, the two-element diphthong /aʊ/ remains, and the following /t/ requires explicit release. This helps avoid mispronouncing /uː/ in informal settings.
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Outcry derives from the combination of out- (a prefix indicating outward direction or external action) and cry (a shout, cry, or loud utterance). The sense is to vocalize aloud in protest or objection. The term appears in English as early as the 15th century in various forms, often linked to public denunciation or loud complaint. Over time, its use broadened to cover organized protests and media-driven backlash, as in political, social, or policy contexts. The word carries a strong emotional charge, often implying collective sentiment rather than an individual grumble. The first known uses typically described citizens voicing dissent in public forums, halls, or marketplaces. In modern usage, outcry frequently accompanies powerful communicative events—legislation debates, corporate decisions, or cultural controversies—where swift, audible reactions are a primary feature of public discourse.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "outcry" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "outcry"
-uty sounds
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