persecute

Syllables:
per·se·cu·te
4 syllables
persecute in syllables

About "persecute"

Syllables
4
Letters
9
Language
EN

How to Split "persecute" into Syllables

The word persecute is divided into 4 syllables: per·se·cu·te. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • per — 1st syllable
  • se — 2nd syllable
  • cu — 3rd syllable
  • te — 4th syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of persecute:

  • IPA: /ˈpɝsəkjut/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. persecute (third-person singular simple present persecutes, present participle persecuting, simple past and past participle persecuted)
  2. To pursue in a manner to do harm or cruelty to; especially, because of the victim's race, sexual identity, or adherence to a particular belief.

📚 Word Origin & History

Borrowed from Middle French persécuter, from Ecclesiastical Latin persecutor, from Latin persequor, persecutus (“follow up, pursue”), from per- (“through”) +‎ sequor (“follow”) (English sequel). Compare prosecute. Cf. also pursue.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down persecute into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare persecute with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
persecute 4 per·se·cu·te
priciest 3 pri-ci-est
prerequisite 5 pre-re-qui-si-te
Perseid 2 per-seid
parakeet 3 pa-ra-keet

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to persecute:

per, perk, Perl, perm, pert, Peru, perv, perch.

Frequently Asked Questions About "persecute"

How many syllables does "persecute" have?

persecute has 4 syllables: per·se·cu·te. The word is divided into 4 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "persecute"?

The stress is on the first syllable: per. This means you emphasize the "per" part when pronouncing persecute.

How do you pronounce "persecute"?

persecute is pronounced as /ˈpɝsəkjut/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: per·se·cu·te.

Is "persecute" easy to spell?

Breaking persecute into syllables helps with spelling: per·se·cu·te. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "persecute" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.