How to pronounce perseverance
Say it like pur-suh-VIR-uns. Perseverance has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (VIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce perseverance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pur
- suh
- VIR
- uns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Perseverance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- purGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- VIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of perseverance
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: pur-suh-VEER-runs.
What does perseverance mean?
- Continuing in a course of action without regard to discouragement, opposition or previous failure.
Where does perseverance come from?
From Middle English perseveraunce, from Old French perseverance, from Latin persevērantia.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with perseverance
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of perseverance.
Questions about saying perseverance
How do you pronounce perseverance?
Say pur-suh-VIR-uns. The American pronunciation is /ˌpɝsəˈvɪrəns/. In British English it is /ˌpɜːsəˈvɪərəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in perseverance?
Perseverance has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (VIR). Broken into parts: pur · suh · VIR · uns.
Is perseverance 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 /ˌpɜːsəˈvɪərəns/ (pur-suh-VEER-runs).