How to pronounce refractory
Say it like rih-FRAK-tuh-ree. Refractory has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FRAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce refractory. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- FRAK
- tuh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Refractory pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- FRAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- 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 refractory
American and British speakers say refractory in essentially the same way: /rɪˈfræktəri/ in the US and /rɪˈfræktəri/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-FRAK-tuh-ree.
What does refractory mean?
- A material or piece of material, such as a brick, that has a very high melting point.
- A plant or factory that produces such material.
- Obstinate and unruly; strongly opposed to something.
- Not affected by great heat.
- Resistant to treatment; not responding adequately to therapy.
Where does refractory come from?
From Latin refractārius (“obstinate”), from refrāctus, past participle of refringere (“to break up”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with refractory
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of refractory.
Questions about saying refractory
How do you pronounce refractory?
Say rih-FRAK-tuh-ree. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈfræktəri/. In British English it is /rɪˈfræktəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in refractory?
Refractory has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FRAK). Broken into parts: rih · FRAK · tuh · ree.
Do Americans and Brits say refractory the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈfræktəri/ and the British form is /rɪˈfræktəri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.