How to pronounce dialect
Say it like DY-uh-lekt. Dialect has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce dialect. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DY
- uh
- lekt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dialect pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lektGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of dialect
American and British speakers say dialect in essentially the same way: /ˈdaɪəˌlɛkt/ in the US and /ˈdaɪəlɛkt/ in the UK.
British respelling: DY-uh-lekt.
What does dialect mean?
- the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people“the immigrants spoke an odd dialect of English”“he has a strong German accent”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying dialect
How do you pronounce dialect?
Say DY-uh-lekt. The American pronunciation is /ˈdaɪəˌlɛkt/. In British English it is /ˈdaɪəlɛkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dialect?
Dialect has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DY). Broken into parts: DY · uh · lekt.
Do Americans and Brits say dialect the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdaɪəˌlɛkt/ and the British form is /ˈdaɪəlɛkt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.