How to pronounce perfectionism
Say it like per-FEK-shuh-nih-zum. Perfectionism has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce perfectionism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- per
- FEK
- shuh
- nih
- zum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Perfectionism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- FEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- zumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of perfectionism
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: puh-FEK-shuh-nih-zum.
What does perfectionism mean?
- An unwillingness to settle for anything less than perfection.
- A belief that spiritual perfection may be achieved during life, or that it should be striven for.
Where does perfectionism come from?
From perfection + -ism.
Words that rhyme with perfectionism
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of perfectionism.
Questions about saying perfectionism
How do you pronounce perfectionism?
Say per-FEK-shuh-nih-zum. The American pronunciation is /pɚˈfɛkʃənɪzəm/. In British English it is /pəˈfɛkʃənɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in perfectionism?
Perfectionism has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FEK). Broken into parts: per · FEK · shuh · nih · zum.
Is perfectionism 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 /pəˈfɛkʃənɪzəm/ (puh-FEK-shuh-nih-zum).