How to Pronounce “performance”

American (US)

/pɚˈfɔɹ.mən(t)s/

British (UK)

/pəˈfɔː.mən(t)s/

Australian (AU)

/pəˈfoː.mən(t)s/

noun — The act of performing; carrying into execution or action; execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by action.

Example: the performance of an undertaking or a duty.

The final e is silent. The transcription /pɚˈfɔɹ.mən(t)s/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “performance” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “performance” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /pɚˈfɔɹ.mən(t)s/ 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. /pɚˈfɔɹ.mən(t)s/ 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 "performance" mean?

performance (noun): The act of performing; carrying into execution or action; execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by action. For example — the performance of an undertaking or a duty.

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

American English: /pɚˈfɔɹ.mən(t)s/. British English: /pəˈfɔː.mən(t)s/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "performance"?

/pɚˈfɔɹ.mən(t)s/ in American English, /pəˈfɔː.mən(t)s/ in British English, /pəˈfoː.mən(t)s/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "performance"?

“performance” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /pɚˈfɔɹ.mən(t)s/ 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.