The word “address” can be pronounced in two different ways, depending on its usage:
- As a Noun (referring to a location or formal speech):
- Pronunciation: /əˈdrɛs/ or /ˈæ.drəs/ (uh-DRESS or ADD-res)
- Breakdown:
- The first syllable “ad” is pronounced with a short ‘a’ sound, like the ‘a’ in “cat.”
- The second syllable “dress” is pronounced like the word “dress” or “press.”
- When spoken together, “address” emphasizes the second syllable, with a short ‘a’ sound followed by “dress.” This pronunciation is common in American English.
- As a Verb (to speak to or write to someone):
- Pronunciation: /əˈdrɛs/ or /ˈæ.drɛs/ (uh-DRESS or ADD-rehs)
- Breakdown:
- The first syllable “ad” is pronounced with a short ‘a’ sound, like the ‘a’ in “cat.”
- The second syllable “dress” is pronounced like the word “dress” or “press.”
- When spoken together, “address” emphasizes the first syllable, with a short ‘a’ sound followed by “dress.” This pronunciation is also common in American English.
In both cases, the stress may vary depending on the speaker’s regional accent or emphasis within a sentence. Generally, “address” as a noun tends to stress the second syllable, while “address” as a verb tends to stress the first syllable.
