How to pronounce pervasive
Say it like per-VAY-siv. Pervasive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VAY).
- per
- VAY
- siv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pervasive 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.
- VAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- sivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of pervasive
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: puh-VAY-siv.
What does pervasive mean?
- Manifested throughout; pervading, permeating, penetrating or affecting everything.“The medication had a pervasive effect on the patient's health.”
Where does pervasive come from?
From Latin pervāsus, from pervādō (“spread through, pervade”), from per (“through”) + vādō (“go, walk”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with pervasive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of pervasive.
Questions about saying pervasive
How do you pronounce pervasive?
Say per-VAY-siv. The American pronunciation is /pɚˈveɪsɪv/. In British English it is /pəˈveɪsɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pervasive?
Pervasive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VAY). Broken into parts: per · VAY · siv.
Is pervasive 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 /pəˈveɪsɪv/ (puh-VAY-siv).