How to pronounce divert
Say it like dy-VURT. Divert has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VURT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce divert. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dy
- VURT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Divert pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dyKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- VURTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of divert
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: DY-vurt.
What does divert mean?
- To turn aside from a course.“The workers diverted the stream away from the road.”
- To distract.“Don't let him divert your attention; keep your eye on the ball.”
- To entertain or amuse (by diverting the attention)
Where does divert come from?
From Middle English diverten, Old French divertir (“to turn or go different ways, part, separate, divert”), from Latin di- (“apart”) + vertere (“to turn”); see verse.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with divert
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of divert.
Questions about saying divert
How do you pronounce divert?
Say dy-VURT. The American pronunciation is /daɪˈvɝt/. In British English it is /ˈdaɪvɜːt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in divert?
Divert has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VURT). Broken into parts: dy · VURT.
Is divert pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1. The British form is /ˈdaɪvɜːt/ (DY-vurt).