4 syllables: Su, pre, ma, cy. Stress on pre.
suh-PREM-uh-see
/səˈpɹɛməsi/
Supremacy is pronounced suh-PREM-uh-see (/səˈpɹɛməsi/). It has four syllables (Su-pre-ma-cy), with the stress on "pre". Supremacy is the state or condition of being higher in power, authority, or status than others. It connotes dominance or primacy, often in political, social, or ideological contexts, and implies a top-tier, unchallenged position. The term can carry neutral, formal, or sometimes negative connotations depending on usage.
nounSupremacy is the state or condition of being higher in power, authority, or status than others. It connotes dominance or primacy, often in political, social, or ideological contexts, and implies a top-tier, unchallenged position. The term can carry neutral, formal, or sometimes negative connotations depending on usage.
"The supremacy of the rule of law ensures fair treatment for all citizens."
"Technological supremacy gave the company a competitive edge in the market."
"Debates over national supremacy often mirror concerns about sovereignty."
Pronounce it as sə-ˈpreɪ-mə-si. The primary stress is on the second syllable, with the 'prey' sounding like the word prey /preɪ/. The first syllable is schwa-like: /sə/. Ensure the final 'cy' sounds like /si/ rather than /siː/ or /siə/. IPA: US/UK/AU: sə-ˈpreɪ-mə-si. Audio reference: you can compare to pronunciations on Pronounce or Forvo for variations, and practice by slowing to a whisper then speed up.
Common errors: misplacing stress as 'su-PRE-ma-cy' by shifting the stress to the third syllable; pronouncing the second syllable as /preɪ/ with a hard /eɪ/ or /iː/ instead of /preɪ/. Also neglecting the final /si/ and running it as /siː/ or /si/ without the clean /-si/. Corrections: keep primary stress on the second syllable; use a short, clear /ə/ in the first syllable; end with a crisp /-si/ rather than a prolonged /siː/. Practice with minimal pairs to feel the syllable boundary.
In US, UK, and AU, the main difference is the rhoticity and vowel length in the first syllable. US and AU tend to be rhotic—/sə-ˈpreɪ-mə-si/ with /r/? actually 'supremacy' does not include rhotic /r/ in standard accents; it's non-rhotic in most UK speech: /sə-ˈpreɪ-mə-si/. Australian is similar to General American on this word but may have a slightly flatter /ə/ in the first syllable and a more clipped final /si/. Overall the second syllable remains stressed; the /preɪ/ diphthong is fairly steady across accents.
The difficulty lies in the multi-syllabic stress pattern and the /preɪ/ diphthong, which can blur into /prɪ-/ if spoken quickly. The empty schwa in the first syllable must be clearly reduced without becoming a weak vowel; maintaining a crisp final /-si/ helps avoid a trailing /-sɪ/ or /-si/ being too long. Also, the transition from /ə/ to /preɪ/ can cause the mouth to close awkwardly if not practiced. Focus on the second syllable stress and a clean, compact ending.
Is there a silent-letter confusion in 'Supremacy'? No letters are truly silent. The ‘e’ in supremacy is part of the spelling that supports the /eɪ/ diphthong in /preɪ/. The word’s stress pattern is fixed on the second syllable. The final /si/ is pronounced as two distinct sounds /s/ and /i/, not a single glide. Paying attention to the two vowels in 'pre' (/eɪ/) and the final /i/ helps stabilize pronunciation.
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Supremacy derives from the Latin word supremus, meaning 'highest, topmost', formed from super- 'above' and -imus '-most'. The suffix -acy comes from French -acité, expressing a state or quality. The word traveled into English via Middle French and later Early Modern English, maintaining its sense of superiority or the highest rank. Its core meaning—being above others in power or status—appears in legal, political, and philosophical contexts. The term has historical usage in expressions like ‘supremacy of the state’ and ‘supremacy clause,’ reflecting debates about sovereignty and authority. Over time, supremacist uses emerged in political rhetoric, and in contemporary language, supremacies are discussed in relation to technology, culture, and legal frameworks. The concept has evolved to encompass not only political dominance but also ideological or cultural preeminence, while still retaining the central idea of being above or dominating others. First known uses appear in medieval latin writings and later medieval French legal and political texts, with English adoption solidifying in the early modern period as global dialogue around sovereignty intensified.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Supremacy" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Supremacy" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Supremacy"
-ncy sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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