How to pronounce pursuivant
Say it like PUR-sih-vunt. Pursuivant has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pursuivant. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUR
- sih
- vunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pursuivant pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- sihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- vuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of pursuivant
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUR-sih-vunt.
What does pursuivant mean?
- A functionary of lower rank than a herald, but discharging similar duties; an attendant of the heralds, e.g. in the College of Arms.
- A Grand Lodge Officer who guards the inner door during a meeting of the Grand Lodge.
- A royal messenger, (particularly) one with the authority to execute warrants.
Where does pursuivant come from?
From Middle English pursevant et al., from Old French pursuivant, present participle of pursuivre (“to follow”).
Questions about saying pursuivant
How do you pronounce pursuivant?
Say PUR-sih-vunt. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɝsɪvənt/. In British English it is /ˈpɜːsɪvənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pursuivant?
Pursuivant has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR). Broken into parts: PUR · sih · vunt.
Is pursuivant 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 /ˈpɜːsɪvənt/ (PUR-sih-vunt).