How to pronounce simper
Say it like SIM-per. Simper has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce simper. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SIM
- per
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Simper pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SIMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of simper
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SIM-puh.
What does simper mean?
- A foolish, frivolous, self-conscious, or affected smile; a smirk.
- To smile in a foolish, frivolous, self-conscious, coy, obsequious, or smug manner.
Where does simper come from?
Uncertain; compare (probably from) Danish simper / semper (“coy”), German zimper (“elegant, dainty”).
Words that rhyme with simper
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of simper.
Questions about saying simper
How do you pronounce simper?
Say SIM-per. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪmpɚ/. In British English it is /ˈsɪmpə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in simper?
Simper has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIM). Broken into parts: SIM · per.
Is simper 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 /ˈsɪmpə/ (SIM-puh).