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20 LESSON WORDS · AMERICAN ENGLISH PRACTICE

How to pronounce 20 technology words

Practice cache, algorithm, router, and other words used in computing and technical conversations.

Go to the words & videos ↓Printable practice worksheet →Take the quiz →
STEP 1

Start with spelling surprises

In computing, cache has one syllable and sounds like cash. Compare archive, whose ch sounds like k, with facsimile, whose final e is spoken. Write the sound reminder before returning to the full spelling.

STEP 2

Make long terms manageable

Computation and configuration both put their main stress late in the word. Developer places it earlier. Tap the strongest beat while listening, then use the practice phrase to keep that rhythm in a complete sentence.

STEP 3

Compare alternatives without guessing

Router can have oo or ow as its first vowel. Interface can have a distinct t or a reduced middle. Listen to the video, compare the pronunciations, and note the version you hear. The quiz includes questions about pronunciation alternatives.

Your listening list

20 words

Choose a word to hear it in an APG video.

  1. algorithm

    /ˈælɡɚˌɪðəm/

    Keep the voiced th before the final vowel.

    Watch algorithm
  2. archive

    /ˈɑɹˌkaɪv/

    The ch sounds like k.

    Watch archive
  3. cache

    /kæʃ/

    For computer storage, say cash.

    Watch cache
  4. circuit

    /ˈsɝkət/

    The first c is s; the second is k.

    Watch circuit
  5. ethernet

    /ˈiθɚˌnɛt/

    Listen for the th in “thin.”

    Watch ethernet
  6. integer

    /ˈɪntədʒɚ/

    The g has the j sound.

    Watch integer
  7. interface

    /ˈɪntɚˌfeɪs/

    Stress IN; give face a smaller beat.

    Watch interface
  8. protocol

    /ˈpɹoʊtəˌkɑl/

    Start with the vowel in “pro.”

    Watch protocol
  9. router

    /ˈɹutɚ/

    Listen for “root” or “rout.”

    Watch router
  10. variable

    /ˈvɛɹiəbəl/

    Keep the first syllable strongest.

    Watch variable
  11. analog

    /ˈænəˌlɔɡ/

    Give the opening short a the main beat.

    Watch analog
  12. broadband

    /ˈbɹɔdˌbænd/

    Keep both b-r and n-d connected.

    Watch broadband
  13. computation

    /ˌkɑmpjəˈteɪʃən/

    Make “tay” the strongest syllable.

    Watch computation
  14. configuration

    /kənˌfɪɡjɚˈeɪʃən/

    Save the main beat for “ray.”

    Watch configuration
  15. developer

    /dɪˈvɛləpɚ/

    Give “vel” the main stress.

    Watch developer
  16. facsimile

    /fækˈsɪməli/

    The final e is pronounced.

    Watch facsimile
  17. iterative

    /ˈɪtɚˌeɪtɪv/

    Start with a stressed short i.

    Watch iterative
  18. malware

    /ˈmælˌwɛɹ/

    Begin with the vowel in “cat.”

    Watch malware
  19. parallel

    /ˈpɛɹəˌlɛl/

    Keep the opening syllable strongest.

    Watch parallel
  20. processor

    /ˈpɹɑˌsɛsɚ/

    The c has an s sound.

    Watch processor

Test these pronunciations

Try 4 questions from this guide. Each answer includes an APG video, dictionary reference, and explanation.

Try this guide’s quiz →

Sources & classroom use

Each listening tip follows the IPA shown beside its word. Other dictionary pronunciations appear on the word page; individual speakers may vary.

Practice phrases were written for these exercises; quoted book passages remain in the separate, sourced book sections. These guides and practice notes are available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Credit American Pronunciation Guide and retain the linked dictionary attributions. Videos and other reference material keep their own terms.

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