How to pronounce instruct
Say it like in-STRUHKT. Instruct has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRUHKT).
- in
- STRUHKT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Instruct pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- STRUHKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of instruct
American and British speakers say instruct in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnˈstrʌkt/ in the US and /ɪnˈstrʌkt/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-STRUHKT.
What does instruct mean?
- To teach by giving instructions.“Listen carefully when someone instructs you how to assemble the furniture.”
- To tell (someone) what they must or should do.“The doctor instructed me to keep my arm immobilised and begin physiotherapy.”
- To give (one's own lawyer) legal instructions as to how they should act in relation to a particular issue; thereby formally appointing them as one's own legal representative in relation to it.“If you're not careful, I'm going to instruct a solicitor over this.”
Where does instruct come from?
From Latin īnstrūctus, perfect passive participle of īnstruō (“I instruct; I arrange, furnish, or provide”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with instruct
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of instruct.
Questions about saying instruct
How do you pronounce instruct?
Say in-STRUHKT. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈstrʌkt/. In British English it is /ɪnˈstrʌkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in instruct?
Instruct has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRUHKT). Broken into parts: in · STRUHKT.
Do Americans and Brits say instruct the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnˈstrʌkt/ and the British form is /ɪnˈstrʌkt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.