How to pronounce parent
Say it like PER-unt. Parent has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PER).
- PER
- unt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Parent 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.
- untKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of parent
American and British speakers say parent in essentially the same way: /ˈpɛrənt/ in the US and /ˈpɛərənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: PAIR-runt.
What does parent mean?
- a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
- an organism (plant or animal) from which younger ones are obtained
- look after a child until it is an adult“raise a family”“bring up children”
Where does parent come from?
From Middle English parent, borrowed from Anglo-Norman parent, Middle French parent, from Latin parentem, accusative of parēns (“parent”), present participle of pariō (“to breed, bring forth”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with parent
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of parent.
Questions about saying parent
How do you pronounce parent?
Say PER-unt. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɛrənt/. In British English it is /ˈpɛərənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in parent?
Parent has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PER). Broken into parts: PER · unt.
Do Americans and Brits say parent the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpɛrənt/ and the British form is /ˈpɛərənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.