How to Pronounce “impervious”

American (US)

/ɪmˈpɝ.vi.əs/

British (UK)

/ɪmˈpɜːvi.əs/

adjective — Unaffected or unable to be affected by something.

Example: The man was completely impervious to the deception we were trying.

Where the stress falls. “impervious” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɪmˈpɝ.vi.əs/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ɪmˈpɝ.vi.əs/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "impervious" mean?

impervious (adjective): Unaffected or unable to be affected by something. For example — The man was completely impervious to the deception we were trying.

How do you pronounce "impervious" in American vs British English?

American English: /ɪmˈpɝ.vi.əs/. British English: /ɪmˈpɜːvi.əs/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "impervious"?

/ɪmˈpɝ.vi.əs/ in American English, /ɪmˈpɜːvi.əs/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "impervious"?

“impervious” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɪmˈpɝ.vi.əs/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.