How to pronounce persistence
Say it like per-SIS-tuns. Persistence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SIS).
- per
- SIS
- tuns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Persistence 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.
- SISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of persistence
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: puh-SIS-tuns.
What does persistence mean?
- the property of a continuous and connected period of time
- persistent determination
- the act of persisting or persevering; continuing or repeating behavior“his perseveration continued to the point where it was no longer appropriate”
Where does persistence come from?
From Middle French persistance, from persistant, from Latin persistēns, from persistō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with persistence
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of persistence.
Questions about saying persistence
How do you pronounce persistence?
Say per-SIS-tuns. The American pronunciation is /pɚˈsɪstəns/. In British English it is /pəˈsɪstəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in persistence?
Persistence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SIS). Broken into parts: per · SIS · tuns.
Is persistence 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 /pəˈsɪstəns/ (puh-SIS-tuns).