How to pronounce permanently
Say it like PUR-muh-nunt-lee. Permanently has four 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 permanently. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUR
- muh
- nunt
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Permanently 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.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of permanently
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUR-muh-nunt-lee.
What does permanently mean?
- for a long time without essential change“he is permanently disabled”
Where does permanently come from?
From Middle English permanently; equivalent to permanent + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying permanently
How do you pronounce permanently?
Say PUR-muh-nunt-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɝmənəntli/. In British English it is /ˈpɜːmənəntli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in permanently?
Permanently has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR). Broken into parts: PUR · muh · nunt · lee.
Is permanently 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 /ˈpɜːmənəntli/ (PUR-muh-nunt-lee).