How to pronounce dilatory
Say it like DIL-uh-tor-ee. Dilatory has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce dilatory. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DIL
- uh
- tor
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dilatory pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- torGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of dilatory
American and British speakers say dilatory in essentially the same way: /ˈdɪləˌtɔri/ in the US and /ˈdɪlətəri/ in the UK.
British respelling: DIL-uh-tuh-ree.
What does dilatory mean?
- Intentionally delaying (someone or something), intended to cause delay, gain time, or adjourn decision.
- Slow or tardy.
- Relating to dilation; dilative.
Where does dilatory come from?
From Middle English dilatorie, from Old French dilatoire, from Latin dīlātōrius (“extending or putting off (time)”), from dīlātor, from differō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying dilatory
How do you pronounce dilatory?
Say DIL-uh-tor-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɪləˌtɔri/. In British English it is /ˈdɪlətəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dilatory?
Dilatory has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DIL). Broken into parts: DIL · uh · tor · ee.
Do Americans and Brits say dilatory the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɪləˌtɔri/ and the British form is /ˈdɪlətəri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.