How to pronounce persevere
Say it like pur-suh-VEER. Persevere has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (VEER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce persevere. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pur
- suh
- VEER
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Persevere 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.
- VEERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of persevere
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: pur-suh-VEER.
What does persevere mean?
- To persist steadfastly in pursuit of an undertaking, task, journey, or goal, even if hindered by distraction, difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement.
Where does persevere come from?
From Middle English perseveren, from Old French perseverer, from Latin persevērāre (“to continue steadfastly, persist, persevere”), from perseverus (“very strict or earnest”), from per (“through, by the means of”) + severus (“strict, earnest”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with persevere
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of persevere.
Questions about saying persevere
How do you pronounce persevere?
Say pur-suh-VEER. The American pronunciation is /ˌpɝsəˈvir/. In British English it is /ˌpɜːsəˈvɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in persevere?
Persevere has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (VEER). Broken into parts: pur · suh · VEER.
Is persevere 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 /ˌpɜːsəˈvɪə/ (pur-suh-VEER).