Here's why:
* Stress: The word "secretary" has primary stress on the first syllable ("sec").
* Unstressed Vowel Reduction: In unstressed syllables, vowels often undergo a process called vowel reduction. This means they become a shorter, less distinct sound, usually a schwa (ə).
* The "e" in "secretary" is in the unstressed final syllable ("-tary") and is pronounced as a schwa sound.
So, while the word is spelled with an "e" at the end, the sound you actually hear is a schwa.