How to pronounce parvenu
Say it like PAR-vuh-nyoo. Parvenu has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce parvenu. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PAR
- vuh
- nyoo
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Parvenu pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- vuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nyooKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of parvenu
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PAH-vuh-nyoo.
What does parvenu mean?
- A person who has risen, climbed up, or has been promoted to a higher social class, especially through acquisition of wealth, privileges, or political authority but has not gained social acceptance by those within that new class.
- Being a parvenu; also, like, having the characteristics of, or associated with a parvenu.
Questions about saying parvenu
How do you pronounce parvenu?
Say PAR-vuh-nyoo. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɑrvənju/. In British English it is /ˈpɑːvənjuː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in parvenu?
Parvenu has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAR). Broken into parts: PAR · vuh · nyoo.
Is parvenu 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 /ˈpɑːvənjuː/ (PAH-vuh-nyoo).