How to pronounce perseveration
Say it like per-sev-uh-RAY-shun. Perseveration has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (RAY).
- per
- sev
- uh
- RAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Perseveration 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.
- sevGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of perseveration
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: puh-sev-uh-RAY-shun.
What does perseveration mean?
- An uncontrollable repetition of a particular response, such as a word, phrase, or gesture, despite the absence or cessation of a stimulus, usually caused by a brain injury or other organic disorder.
- The tendency to continue or repeat an act or activity after the cessation of the original stimulus.
- The act or an instance of persevering; perseverance.
Words that rhyme with perseveration
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of perseveration.
Questions about saying perseveration
How do you pronounce perseveration?
Say per-sev-uh-RAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /pɚˌsɛvəˈreɪʃən/. In British English it is /pəˌsɛvəˈreɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in perseveration?
Perseveration has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (RAY). Broken into parts: per · sev · uh · RAY · shun.
Is perseveration 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 /pəˌsɛvəˈreɪʃən/ (puh-sev-uh-RAY-shun).