How to pronounce perspiration
Say it like pur-spuh-RAY-shun. Perspiration has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce perspiration. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pur
- spuh
- RAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Perspiration 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.
- spuhKeep 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 perspiration
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: pur-spih-RAY-shun.
What does perspiration mean?
- The action or process of perspiring.
- Synonym of hard work.
- Sweat (fluid).
Where does perspiration come from?
Borrowed from late Middle French perspiration, from perspirer (“perspire”), from Latin perspirare (“to blow or breathe constantly”), from per (“through”) + spirare (“to breathe, blow”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with perspiration
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of perspiration.
Questions about saying perspiration
How do you pronounce perspiration?
Say pur-spuh-RAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌpɝspəˈreɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌpɜːspɪˈreɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in perspiration?
Perspiration has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RAY). Broken into parts: pur · spuh · RAY · shun.
Is perspiration 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 /ˌpɜːspɪˈreɪʃən/ (pur-spih-RAY-shun).