How to pronounce perfunctory
Say it like per-FUHNGK-tuh-ree. Perfunctory has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FUHNGK).
- per
- FUHNGK
- tuh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Perfunctory 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.
- FUHNGKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of perfunctory
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: puh-FUHNGK-tuh-rih.
What does perfunctory mean?
- Done only or merely to conform to a minimal standard or to fulfill a protocol or presumptive duty.“a perfunctory kiss”
- Performed in a careless or indifferent manner as a thing of rote.“He did a perfunctory job cleaning his dad's car, finishing quickly but leaving a few spots still dirty.”
Where does perfunctory come from?
From Late Latin perfunctōrius (“careless, negligent”), from the past participial stem of perfungor, perfunct- (“perform, carry through”), from per- + fungor.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying perfunctory
How do you pronounce perfunctory?
Say per-FUHNGK-tuh-ree. The American pronunciation is /pɚˈfʌŋktəri/. In British English it is /pəˈfʌŋktərɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in perfunctory?
Perfunctory has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FUHNGK). Broken into parts: per · FUHNGK · tuh · ree.
Is perfunctory 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 /pəˈfʌŋktərɪ/ (puh-FUHNGK-tuh-rih).