How to pronounce precursor
Say it like pree-KUR-ser. Precursor has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce precursor. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pree
- KUR
- ser
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Precursor pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- preeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- KURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- serKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of precursor
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: prih-KUR-suh.
What does precursor mean?
- That which precurses: a forerunner, predecessor, or indicator of approaching events.
- One of the compounds that participates in the chemical reaction that produces another compound.
- Caused by the following symbol.
Where does precursor come from?
Inherited from Middle English precursour, from Middle French precurseur or its etymon Latin praecursor (“forerunner”).
Words that rhyme with precursor
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of precursor.
Questions about saying precursor
How do you pronounce precursor?
Say pree-KUR-ser. The American pronunciation is /priˈkɝsɚ/. In British English it is /prɪˈkɜːsə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in precursor?
Precursor has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KUR). Broken into parts: pree · KUR · ser.
Is precursor 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 /prɪˈkɜːsə/ (prih-KUR-suh).