How to pronounce persistent
Say it like per-SIS-tunt. Persistent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SIS).
- per
- SIS
- tunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Persistent 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.
- tuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of persistent
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: puh-SIS-tunt.
What does persistent mean?
- Obstinately refusing to give up or let go.“She has had a persistent cough for weeks.”
- Insistently repetitive.“There was a persistent knocking on the door.”
- Indefinitely continuous.“There have been persistent rumours for years.”
Where does persistent come from?
From Latin persistentem, present participle of persistō (“continue steadfastly”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with persistent
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of persistent.
Questions about saying persistent
How do you pronounce persistent?
Say per-SIS-tunt. The American pronunciation is /pɚˈsɪstənt/. In British English it is /pəˈsɪstənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in persistent?
Persistent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SIS). Broken into parts: per · SIS · tunt.
Is persistent 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 /pəˈsɪstənt/ (puh-SIS-tunt).