How to pronounce paragon
Say it like PER-uh-gahn. Paragon 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 paragon. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PER
- uh
- gahn
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Paragon 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.
- gahnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of paragon
American and British speakers say paragon in essentially the same way: /ˈpɛrəˌɡɑn/ in the US and /ˈpærəɡən/ in the UK.
British respelling: PAR-uh-gun.
What does paragon mean?
- A person of preeminent qualities, who acts as a pattern or model for others.“In the novel, Constanza is a paragon of virtue who would never compromise her reputation.”
- The size of type between great primer and double pica, standardized as 20-point.
- A flawless diamond of at least 100 carats.
- To compare; to parallel; to put in rivalry or emulation with.
- To compare with; to equal; to rival.
- To serve as a model for; to surpass.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying paragon
How do you pronounce paragon?
Say PER-uh-gahn. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɛrəˌɡɑn/. In British English it is /ˈpærəɡən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in paragon?
Paragon has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PER). Broken into parts: PER · uh · gahn.
Do Americans and Brits say paragon the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpɛrəˌɡɑn/ and the British form is /ˈpærəɡən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.