How to Pronounce Direct

To pronounce "direct", say DIR-ect — 2 syllables, IPA /d(a)ɪˈɹɛkt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

direct

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

/d(a)ɪˈɹɛkt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “direct”

"direct" has 2 syllables: dir-ect. It rhymes with aspect and subject, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: deregt — easy to mix up when writing.

What does direct mean?

verb

To manage, control, steer.
“to direct the affairs of a nation or the movements of an army”
To aim (something) at (something else).
“He directed his question to the room in general.”

adjective

Proceeding without deviation or interruption.
Straight; not crooked, oblique, or circuitous; leading by the short or shortest way to a point or end.
“the most direct route between two buildings”

adverb

Directly.

Synonyms

explicit patent univocal immediate

Antonyms

indirect

Hear “direct” 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 direct

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

aspect subject project effect neglect affect reject defect respect deflect reflect object

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "direct"?▾

"Direct" has 2 syllables: dir · ect.

What is the IPA transcription of "direct"?▾

The IPA transcription of "direct" is /d(a)ɪˈɹɛkt/.

What does "direct" mean?▾

Direct: To manage, control, steer.

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