How to pronounce perforce
Say it like per-FORS. Perforce has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FORS).
- per
- FORS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Perforce 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.
- FORSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of perforce
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: puh-FAWS.
What does perforce mean?
- By constraint of circumstances; of necessity; as a matter of course.
Where does perforce come from?
From Middle English par force, from Anglo-Norman, from Old French par force (“by force”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with perforce
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of perforce.
Questions about saying perforce
How do you pronounce perforce?
Say per-FORS. The American pronunciation is /pɚˈfɔrs/. In British English it is /pəˈfɔːs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in perforce?
Perforce has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FORS). Broken into parts: per · FORS.
Is perforce 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 /pəˈfɔːs/ (puh-FAWS).