How to pronounce paralegal
Say it like per-uh-LEE-gul. Paralegal has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce paralegal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- per
- uh
- LEE
- gul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Paralegal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- perGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- gulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of paralegal
American and British speakers say paralegal in essentially the same way: /ˌpɛrəˈliɡəl/ in the US and /ˌpærəˈliːɡəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: par-uh-LEE-gul.
What does paralegal mean?
- One who assists a lawyer in routine legal work, but who is without qualified status as a solicitor or barrister (England and Wales), attorney (U.S.), or advocate; known more commonly in the U.S. as a legal assistant.
Where does paralegal come from?
From para- + legal.
Words that rhyme with paralegal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of paralegal.
Questions about saying paralegal
How do you pronounce paralegal?
Say per-uh-LEE-gul. The American pronunciation is /ˌpɛrəˈliɡəl/. In British English it is /ˌpærəˈliːɡəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in paralegal?
Paralegal has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LEE). Broken into parts: per · uh · LEE · gul.
Do Americans and Brits say paralegal the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌpɛrəˈliɡəl/ and the British form is /ˌpærəˈliːɡəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.