How to pronounce permanent
Say it like PUR-muh-nunt. Permanent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce permanent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUR
- muh
- nunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Permanent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- muhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of permanent
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUR-muh-nunt.
What does permanent mean?
- continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place“permanent secretary to the president”“permanent address”
- not capable of being reversed or returned to the original condition“permanent brain damage”
- a series of waves in the hair made by applying heat and chemicals
Where does permanent come from?
From Middle English permanent, permanente, from Middle French permanent, from Latin permanēns, from permaneō (“to stay through”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying permanent
How do you pronounce permanent?
Say PUR-muh-nunt. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɝmənənt/. In British English it is /ˈpɜːmənənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in permanent?
Permanent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR). Broken into parts: PUR · muh · nunt.
Is permanent 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 /ˈpɜːmənənt/ (PUR-muh-nunt).