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

Practice with vocabulary attorney

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company hired an __________ to handle the legal dispute.
  2. She decided to consult a __________ before signing the contract.
  3. The __________ of the case was so complex that it required multiple experts.
  4. He mistakenly thought his friend was a __________, but he was actually a paralegal.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Who represents a client in a court of law?
    a) Attorney
    b) Accountant
    c) Architect
    d) Engineer

  2. What term refers to someone who can draft legal documents?
    a) Lawyer
    b) Attorney
    c) Notary
    d) Consultant

  3. Which professional can provide legal advice for business contracts?
    a) Attorney
    b) Broker
    c) Auditor
    d) Marketer

  4. Who specializes in defending clients in criminal cases?
    a) Prosecutor
    b) Judge
    c) Attorney
    d) Bailiff

  5. What is a synonym for "legal representative"?
    a) Advisor
    b) Advocate
    c) Attorney
    d) Mediator

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The lawyer gave her advice on the property dispute.
    Rewrite: The __________ provided her with legal counsel on the property dispute.

  2. Original: He hired a legal expert to manage his inheritance case.
    Rewrite: He appointed an __________ to oversee his inheritance case.

  3. Original: The judge listened to both sides before making a decision.
    Rewrite: The arbitrator heard both arguments before reaching a conclusion.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. attorney
  2. attorney
  3. complexity
  4. attorney

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Attorney
  2. a) Lawyer, b) Attorney
  3. a) Attorney
  4. c) Attorney
  5. b) Advocate, c) Attorney

Exercise 3:

  1. The attorney provided her with legal counsel on the property dispute.
  2. He appointed an attorney to oversee his inheritance case.
  3. The arbitrator heard both arguments before reaching a conclusion.

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