How to pronounce preferment
Say it like pree-fer-MENT. Preferment has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MENT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce preferment. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pree
- fer
- MENT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Preferment pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- preeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- ferKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- MENTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of preferment
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 3, while British speakers stress syllable 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: prih-FUH-munt.
What does preferment mean?
- Advancement to a higher position or office; promotion.
- A position (especially in the Church of England) that provides profit or prestige.
- A mixture of flour, water and yeast that is allowed to ferment prior to another baking process.
Where does preferment come from?
From Middle English preferment, preferrement, prefferment; equivalent to prefer + -ment.
Words that rhyme with preferment
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of preferment.
Questions about saying preferment
How do you pronounce preferment?
Say pree-fer-MENT. The American pronunciation is /ˌprifərˈmɛnt/. In British English it is /prɪˈfəmənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in preferment?
Preferment has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MENT). Broken into parts: pree · fer · MENT.
Is preferment pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 3, while British speakers stress syllable 2. The British form is /prɪˈfəmənt/ (prih-FUH-munt).