How to pronounce directory
Say it like duh-REK-tuh-ree. Directory has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (REK).
- duh
- REK
- tuh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Directory pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- REKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of directory
American and British speakers say directory in essentially the same way: /dəˈrɛktəri/ in the US and /daɪˈrɛktəri/ in the UK.
British respelling: dy-REK-tuh-ree.
What does directory mean?
- an alphabetical list of names and addresses
- (computer science) a listing of the files stored in memory (usually on a hard disk)
Where does directory come from?
From Middle English directorie, dyrectorye, from Medieval Latin dīrēctōrium.
Words that rhyme with directory
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of directory.
Questions about saying directory
How do you pronounce directory?
Say duh-REK-tuh-ree. The American pronunciation is /dəˈrɛktəri/. In British English it is /daɪˈrɛktəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in directory?
Directory has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (REK). Broken into parts: duh · REK · tuh · ree.
Do Americans and Brits say directory the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dəˈrɛktəri/ and the British form is /daɪˈrɛktəri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.