How to pronounce parsimonious
Say it like par-sih-MOH-nee-us. Parsimonious has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce parsimonious. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- par
- sih
- MOH
- nee
- us
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Parsimonious pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- parKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- sihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- MOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- neeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- usKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of parsimonious
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: pah-sih-MOH-nee-us.
What does parsimonious mean?
- Exhibiting parsimony; sparing in the expenditure of money; frugal, possibly to excess.
- Using a minimal number of assumptions, steps, or conjectures.
- Not conceding many goals.
Where does parsimonious come from?
From parsimony + -ous.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with parsimonious
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of parsimonious.
Questions about saying parsimonious
How do you pronounce parsimonious?
Say par-sih-MOH-nee-us. The American pronunciation is /pɑrsɪˈmoʊniəs/. In British English it is /pɑːsɪˈməʊniəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in parsimonious?
Parsimonious has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MOH). Broken into parts: par · sih · MOH · nee · us.
Is parsimonious pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /pɑːsɪˈməʊniəs/ (pah-sih-MOH-nee-us).