How to Pronounce Persistent

To pronounce "persistent", say pers-IST-ent — 3 syllables, IPA /pɝˈsɪstənt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

persistent

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

10

Letters

/pɝˈsɪstənt/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/pəsˈɪstənt/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “persistent”

Break "persistent" into 3 beats and lean on "IST" — that's the stressed one. It rhymes with distant and insistent, if that helps it stick.

What does persistent mean?

adjective

  1. Obstinately refusing to give up or let go.

    “She has had a persistent cough for weeks.”

  2. Insistently repetitive.

    “There was a persistent knocking on the door.”

Hear “persistent” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with persistent

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

distantinsistentinconsistentexistentconsistentassistantresistantnonexistentself-consistent

Related words

lastingcontinualrelentlessunrelentingunforgettablehauntingdoggedobstinate

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "persistent"?▾

"Persistent" has 3 syllables: pers · ist · ent.

What is the IPA transcription of "persistent"?▾

The IPA transcription of "persistent" is /pɝˈsɪstənt/.

What does "persistent" mean?▾

Persistent: Obstinately refusing to give up or let go.

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