What is attorney? Pronunciation and usage in English

attorney means . Learn how to pronounce and use attorney through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of attorney

attorneynoun

/əˈtəːni/
Definition & pronunciation of attorney

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "attorney" correctly. It's a tricky word for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The Generally Accepted Pronunciation (American English):

  • ah-TOR-nee

Let's break that down further:

  • ah: Like the "a" in "father" or "car."
  • TOR: This is the tricky part! It's a single syllable and sounds like "tor" in "tornado." Don’t say “at-tor-ney.”
  • nee: Like the "nee" in "knee" or "see."

Visual Breakdown (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/əˈtor.ni/

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable ("TOR"). This is key!
  • Don't add an extra 'a': Avoid saying "a-tor-ney." That's a common mistake.
  • Practice slowly: Really focus on each syllable individually.

Regional Variations (British English):

British English often pronounces it differently, typically:

  • a-TOR-nee (with a slightly shorter "ah" sound)

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "attorney" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/attorney/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers from various regions.
  • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce attorney" on YouTube for many helpful videos.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, would you like me to:

  • Focus on a specific accent (American vs. British)?

Usage and examples with the word attorney in English

Let's break down how to use the word "attorney" effectively in English. It's a relatively formal word, so it's important to use it correctly.

1. Basic Definition:

  • An attorney (also sometimes called a lawyer) is a person who is qualified to advise people about the law and represent them in court. They are licensed to practice law.

2. Common Ways to Use It:

  • Referring to a professional:

    • "I need to hire an attorney to help me with this contract."
    • "She’s a highly respected attorney specializing in criminal law."
    • "He’s representing the plaintiff in the lawsuit."
    • "We consulted with an attorney before signing the agreement."

  • Describing someone's profession:

    • "My father is an attorney."
    • "She works as an attorney for a large corporation."

  • In legal contexts:

    • "The attorney presented a strong argument to the judge."
    • "The opposing attorney challenged the witness's testimony."
    • "The judge questioned the attorney about their strategy."

  • More informal (but still precise): You can sometimes use "lawyer" interchangeably with "attorney," especially in everyday conversation. However, "attorney" often implies a slightly higher level of formality and expertise.

3. Distinctions between "Attorney" and "Lawyer":

  • Lawyer: This is a broader term. Essentially, any person who has studied law and is authorized to practice is a lawyer. A lawyer can be a paralegal, a legal secretary, or an attorney.
  • Attorney: This is a specific type of lawyer. To be an attorney, you must have graduated from law school, passed a bar exam (which varies by state/country), and been admitted to the bar.

4. Important Phrases to Use With "Attorney":

  • "Retain an attorney": To hire an attorney. (e.g., "I'm going to retain an attorney to handle this matter.")
  • "Legal counsel": Refers to advice given by an attorney. (e.g., "I sought legal counsel before making a decision.")
  • "Represent (someone)": To be an attorney for someone in a legal situation. (e.g., “The attorney will represent the client in court.”)

5. Examples in Sentences:

  • "If you're involved in a car accident, it's wise to speak with an attorney about your legal options."
  • “The attorney argued that the company was negligent.”
  • “She’s a brilliant attorney who always fights for her clients.”

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you planning to use "attorney" in? (e.g., writing a letter, talking to a friend, discussing a legal issue?)

Synonyms for the word attorney

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