How to Pronounce "ivory tower"
expression
ˈaɪvɝi/, /ˈaɪvɹi/ /ˈtaʊɝ
EYE-vur-ee TOW-ur
ˈaɪvəɹˌi/ /ˈtaʊ.ə(ɹ)
EYE-vuh-ree TOW-uh
Definition
An 'ivory tower' refers to a place or situation where people are separated from the real world and practical problems, often used to describe scholars or intellectuals who are disconnected from everyday concerns.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈaɪvɝi/, /ˈaɪvɹi/ /ˈtaʊɝ
British English
ˈaɪvəɹˌi/ /ˈtaʊ.ə(ɹ)
Simplified Pronunciation
US
EYE-vur-ee TOW-ur
UK
EYE-vuh-ree TOW-uh
Listen in Context
Many professors are accused of living in an ivory tower.
She left her ivory tower to help people in need.
People say politicians live in an ivory tower.
It's easy to criticize when you're sitting in your ivory tower.