How to Pronounce Dire

To pronounce "dire", say DIR-e — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈdaɪ̯ə(ɹ)/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

dire

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈdaɪ̯ə(ɹ)/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “dire”

"dire" has 2 syllables: dir-e. It rhymes with desire and inquire, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: dyar, dyer — easy to mix up when writing.

What does dire mean?

adjective

Warning of bad consequences: ill-boding; portentous.
“dire omens”
Requiring action to prevent bad consequences: urgent, pressing.
“dire need”

Synonyms

horrible lamentable terrible

Hear “dire” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with dire

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

desire inquire spire acquire esquire pyre prior sire fire quagmire enquire twire

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "dire"?▾

"Dire" has 2 syllables: dir · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "dire"?▾

The IPA transcription of "dire" is /ˈdaɪ̯ə(ɹ)/.

What does "dire" mean?▾

Dire: Warning of bad consequences: ill-boding; portentous.

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