How to pronounce paroxysm
Say it like PER-uk-siz-um. Paroxysm has four 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 paroxysm. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PER
- uk
- siz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Paroxysm 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.
- ukKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- sizGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of paroxysm
American and British speakers say paroxysm in essentially the same way: /ˈpɛrəkˌsɪzəm/ in the US and /ˈpærəksɪzəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: PAR-uk-sih-zum.
What does paroxysm mean?
- A period (especially one of several recurring periods) during the course of an illness when symptoms worsen; a sudden attack of a disease symptom, such as a bout of coughing or a seizure.
- Chiefly followed by of: a sudden outburst of violent activity or feeling; also, the most severe part of an activity or incident; the climax.
- A violent occurrence of a natural phenomenon, such as an earthquake, thunderstorm, or volcanic eruption; specifically (volcanology), the most explosive event during a series of volcanic eruptions.
Where does paroxysm come from?
From Late Middle English paroxism, paroxisme (“period of worsening of a disease, attack; sudden recurrent fever”), from Middle French paroxisme, paroxysme, and Old French peroxime (“period of worsening of a disease; bout of fever or illness
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying paroxysm
How do you pronounce paroxysm?
Say PER-uk-siz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɛrəkˌsɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈpærəksɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in paroxysm?
Paroxysm has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PER). Broken into parts: PER · uk · siz · um.
Do Americans and Brits say paroxysm the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpɛrəkˌsɪzəm/ and the British form is /ˈpærəksɪzəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.