How to pronounce parasite
Say it like PER-uh-syte. Parasite 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 parasite. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PER
- uh
- syte
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Parasite 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.
- syteGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of parasite
American and British speakers say parasite in essentially the same way: /ˈpɛrəˌsaɪt/ in the US and /ˈpærəˌsaɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: PAR-uh-syte.
What does parasite mean?
- an animal or plant that lives in or on a host (another animal or plant); it obtains nourishment from the host without benefiting or killing the host
- a follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying parasite
How do you pronounce parasite?
Say PER-uh-syte. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɛrəˌsaɪt/. In British English it is /ˈpærəˌsaɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in parasite?
Parasite has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PER). Broken into parts: PER · uh · syte.
Do Americans and Brits say parasite the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpɛrəˌsaɪt/ and the British form is /ˈpærəˌsaɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.