How to pronounce disarray
Say it like dis-uh-RAY. Disarray has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce disarray. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dis
- uh
- RAY
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Disarray pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- disGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of disarray
American and British speakers say disarray in essentially the same way: /ˌdɪsəˈreɪ/ in the US and /dɪsəˈreɪ/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-suh-RAY.
What does disarray mean?
- A lack of array or regular order; disorder; confusion.
- Confused attire; undress; dishabille.
- To throw into disorder; to break the array of.
- To take off the dress of; to unrobe.
Where does disarray come from?
From Middle English disareyen (“to disarray”), from Middle French desarroyer, from Old French desareer, from des- (“dis-”) + areer (“to array”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with disarray
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of disarray.
Questions about saying disarray
How do you pronounce disarray?
Say dis-uh-RAY. The American pronunciation is /ˌdɪsəˈreɪ/. In British English it is /dɪsəˈreɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in disarray?
Disarray has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RAY). Broken into parts: dis · uh · RAY.
Do Americans and Brits say disarray the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌdɪsəˈreɪ/ and the British form is /dɪsəˈreɪ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.