How to pronounce convalescent
Say it like kahn-vuh-LES-unt. Convalescent has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce convalescent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kahn
- vuh
- LES
- unt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Convalescent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kahnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- vuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- untKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of convalescent
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: kon-vuh-LES-unt.
What does convalescent mean?
- A person recovering from illness.“I had been ill in health, but am now a convalescent.”
- recovering one's health and strength after a period of illness; on the mend.
- of convalescence or convalescents“She stayed in a convalescent hospital for two weeks before returning home.”
Where does convalescent come from?
From French convalescent, from Latin convalēscēn(t-)s, present participle of convalēscere (“to become strong or well”); see convalesce.
Words that rhyme with convalescent
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of convalescent.
- adolescent
- crescent
- fluorescent
- incessant
- incandescent
- antidepressant
- iridescent
- pubescent
- depressant
- effervescent
Questions about saying convalescent
How do you pronounce convalescent?
Say kahn-vuh-LES-unt. The American pronunciation is /ˌkɑnvəˈlɛsənt/. In British English it is /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛsənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in convalescent?
Convalescent has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LES). Broken into parts: kahn · vuh · LES · unt.
Is convalescent pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛsənt/ (kon-vuh-LES-unt).