3 syllables: in, struct, or. Stress on struct.
in-STRUHK-tur
/ˌɪnsˈtɹʌktɚ/
instructor is pronounced in-STRUHK-tur (/ˌɪnsˈtɹʌktɚ/). It has three syllables (in-struct-or), with the stress on "struct". An instructor is a person who teaches or guides learners in a specialized field, usually within a formal setting. They design and deliver lessons, assess progress, and provide targeted feedback to help students achieve specific skills. The term implies expertise, authority, and a structured approach to knowledge transfer.
An instructor is a person who teaches or guides learners in a specialized field, usually within a formal setting. They design and deliver lessons, assess progress, and provide targeted feedback to help students achieve specific skills. The term implies expertise, authority, and a structured approach to knowledge transfer.
- You may overpronounce the middle /str/ sequence, pulling the tongue into an exaggerated position. Focus on a smooth, compact /str/ that fits between /n/ and /ʌ/. - Ending often becomes a distinct /ɒ/ or /oʊ/; instead, aim for a quick reduced /ər/ or /ə/ to finish. - Initial vowel sometimes sounds too long; keep it short and unstressed before the main stress.
"The instructor demonstrated how to complete the complex drill."
"Our language instructor corrected my pronunciation during the lesson."
"The fitness instructor led us through a challenging routine."
Pronounce as inˈstrʌk.tər in US and UK; US /ɪnˈstrʌk.tər/, UK /ɪnˈstrʌk.tə/ (final syllable with schwa). The primary stress sits on the second syllable: in-ST RUCT-or. Tip: blend the /str/ cluster quickly, avoid reopening the vowel in the middle. Audio reference: listen to native speakers saying ‘instructor’ in dictionaries or pronunciation sites to feel the rhythm and stress.
Two frequent errors: (1) stressing the first syllable instead of the second (inh-STRUK-tor vs in-ST RUCT-or). (2) mispronouncing the ending as a clear /oʊ/ or /ɒ/ instead of a reduced /ər/ or /ə/. Correction: keep /ɪnˈstrʌk.tər/ with a schwa or end-reduced vowel, and ensure the /str/ cluster is tight.
In US: /ɪnˈstrʌk.tɚ/ with rhotic /ɚ/ ending. In UK: /ɪnˈstrʌk.tə/ with non-rhotic /ə/ ending and perhaps a slightly crisper /t/. In Australian: /ɪnˈstrʌk.tə/ similar to UK but with Australian vowel qualities; you might hear a slightly flatter /ɐ/ in the first vowel and a softer /t/ due to flapping in some informal speech.
Three challenges: the /str/ consonant cluster is tight and can blur when spoken quickly; the middle vowel is a stressed schwa-like vowel in many contexts but becomes a reduced vowel in fast speech; and the ending /ɚ/ or /ə/ requires a quick, relaxed jaw to avoid a heavy, burbed ending. Awareness of syllable timing helps maintain natural rhythm.
Yes, the primary stress on the second syllable combined with a strong /str/ cluster creates a distinctive rhythm: in-ST RUCT-or. The middle syllable carries the peak of effort while the first is lighter; mastering the quick /str/ transition and a clean, reduced final vowel makes your pronunciation natural and intelligible.
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- US: final /ɚ/ is rhoticed and pronounced with a curling tongue; maintain a relaxed jaw. - UK: final vowel tends toward a schwa; avoid a buzzing /əː/ sound. - AU: similar to UK, but vowels often less centralized; keep the /ɪ/ near a short, clipped quality. Reference IPA for all: /ɪnˈstrʌk.tər/ (US), /ɪnˈstrʌk.tə/ (UK/AU).
The word instructor comes from the Latin root instruere, meaning to build up, construct, or prepare. In Middle English, instruccian evolved from the Old French instruire, tied to the idea of shaping knowledge or guiding someone through learning. By the 14th century, instructor appeared in English to describe someone who provides instruction or directions in a particular subject. The term historically implies a person who not only teaches but also disciplines, directs activities, and organizes learning experiences. The sense broadened over time from simple teaching to include structured programs and formal assessments. In modern usage, an instructor can be found in educational, fitness, military, and professional contexts, consistently signaling an authoritative guide who imparts skills and evaluates progress. The word carries a connotation of expertise and accountability, often linked with specific curricula or training protocols.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "instructor" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "instructor" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "instructor" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "instructor"
-tor sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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