How to pronounce paraffin
Say it like PER-uh-fin. Paraffin has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce paraffin. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PER
- uh
- fin
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Paraffin pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- finKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of paraffin
American and British speakers say paraffin in essentially the same way: /ˈpɛrəfɪn/ in the US and /ˈpærəfɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: PAR-uh-fin.
What does paraffin mean?
- A petroleum-based thin and colorless fuel oil.
- Any member of the alkane hydrocarbons.
- Paraffin wax.
- To impregnate or treat with paraffin.
- To embed in paraffin wax.
Where does paraffin come from?
From Latin paraffinum, from parum (too little) + affinis (related, affinity).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying paraffin
How do you pronounce paraffin?
Say PER-uh-fin. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɛrəfɪn/. In British English it is /ˈpærəfɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in paraffin?
Paraffin has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PER). Broken into parts: PER · uh · fin.
Do Americans and Brits say paraffin the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpɛrəfɪn/ and the British form is /ˈpærəfɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.