How to pronounce primeval
Say it like pry-MEE-vul. Primeval has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce primeval. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pry
- MEE
- vul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Primeval pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pryKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- MEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- vulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of primeval
American and British speakers say primeval in essentially the same way: /praɪˈmivəl/ in the US and /praɪˈmiːvəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: pry-MEE-vul.
What does primeval mean?
- Belonging to the first ages.
- Primary; original.
- Primitive.
Where does primeval come from?
From Latin primaevus (“in the first or earliest period of life”) + -al, from primus (“first”) + aevum (“time, age”); see prime and age.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with primeval
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of primeval.
Questions about saying primeval
How do you pronounce primeval?
Say pry-MEE-vul. The American pronunciation is /praɪˈmivəl/. In British English it is /praɪˈmiːvəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in primeval?
Primeval has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MEE). Broken into parts: pry · MEE · vul.
Do Americans and Brits say primeval the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /praɪˈmivəl/ and the British form is /praɪˈmiːvəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.