3 syllables: c, p, r. Stress on c.
SEE-pee-ahr
/ˈsiː piː ɑɹ/
cpr is pronounced SEE-pee-ahr (/ˈsiː piː ɑɹ/). It has three syllables (c-p-r), with the stress on "c". cpr is an acronym that can refer to cardiopulmonary resuscitation or be used as shorthand in medical, emergency, and professional contexts. In pronunciation guides it is treated as a clipped, initialism-like string of letters spoken separately or as an initialism where each letter is enunciated. The term carries technical weight and is often used in urgent or formal discourse, as well as in written documentation and discussions about emergency procedures.
cpr is an acronym that can refer to cardiopulmonary resuscitation or be used as shorthand in medical, emergency, and professional contexts. In pronunciation guides it is treated as a clipped, initialism-like string of letters spoken separately or as an initialism where each letter is enunciated. The term carries technical weight and is often used in urgent or formal discourse, as well as in written documentation and discussions about emergency procedures.
"The EMT explained the cpr steps to the trainee before the drill."
"During the training, we practiced cpr on a dummy to simulate a real rescue."
"She reminded the team to update the cpr protocol in the hospital manual."
Pronounce it as the individual letters: /siː-piː-ɑːr/ in US and UK IPA, often heard as /siː-piː-ɑːr/ or /ˈsiːpiˈaɪ?/. In practical speech you'll usually say C-P-R distinctly: /siː/ /piː/ /ɑːr/. In fast clinical speech you may hear a clipped version /siː piː ɑː/. Always ensure each letter is recognizable, especially in high-stakes training. Audio references like Pronounce or the Cambridge dictionary demo can help you hear the exact letter names.
Common errors: 1) Blending the letters into a single syllable, e.g., /sɪəri/ or /siːpaɹ/. 2) Slurring the final /r/ in non-rhotic accents, making it almost silent. 3) Mispronouncing letter names due to unfamiliarity with the letter sounds. Correction: pronounce each letter as /siː/ /piː/ /ɑːr/ with distinct, spaced syllables; ensure the /r/ is pronounced in rhotic accents. Practice with slow cadence, then speed up while maintaining separateness. You can record and compare to a standard pronunciation via Forvo.
In rhotic accents (US, Canada, Australia), /ɑːr/ has a clear rhotic ending /ɹ/. In non-rhotic accents (some UK varieties), the /r/ may be weakened or vocalized, so it sounds closer to /ɑː/ or a schwa-like /ə/. The first two letters /siː/ and /piː/ remain steady; vowel quality is generally stable, but UK learners may reduce the final /r/ more in rapid speech. In Australian English you’ll hear an identifiable /ɹ/ with rhotic finishing, though some speakers may display slight post-vocalic vowel variation. IPA notes help you align articulation across regions.
The difficulty lies in articulating three distinct letter-name sounds quickly and cleanly while ensuring each is perceived separately. The alveolar tongue positions for /s/ and /z/? not involved here; rather you manage the palatal-velar boundaries between /siː/ and /piː/ and the final rhotic /ɹ/. C-P-R demands precise lip rounding for /iː/ and a clear postvocalic /ɹ/ in rhotic accents. In non-rhotic speech, the final /ɹ/ weakens, which can confuse listeners. Focus on-separating syllables and keeping the final /ɹ/ audible when appropriate.
As a strict acronym, cpr is spoken as three discrete letter-names. Look for context-specific emphasis: emergency training may favor clear, measured articulation of C-P-R, while rapid drill cues may slightly compress the timing but should not blur letter boundaries. Ensure you consistently pronounce the three letter names in order, avoiding any reordering or new verbiation. In some contexts, speakers may introduce the expanded term (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) before switching to C-P-R; respect the initial full form for clarity.
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The abbreviation cpr derives from the initial letters of the phrase cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The practice of cardiopulmonary resuscitation itself has roots in the early 20th century, with key developments that culminated in modern standardized procedures in the 1960s, combining chest compressions with rescue breaths to restore circulation and breathing. The term CPR emerged as clinicians and educators sought a concise designation for the lifesaving protocol. While CPR is widely understood as a technical acronym within medical and emergency contexts, it also appears informally in training manuals, public health campaigns, and layperson education. The history of CPR reflects a synthesis of physiology, anesthesiology, and respiratory therapy, with updates to guidelines over decades emphasizing compression-first approaches, airway management, defibrillation integration, and high-quality chest compressions. First known use in published medical writing appears in mid-20th-century journals as the practice gained traction and formal recognition, eventually becoming a global standard taught in CPR courses and certification programs. Today, cpr as an acronym or abbreviation is ubiquitous in medical settings, training environments, and public safety communications, often used without the periods of older abbreviations (C.P.R.), reflecting contemporary convention in professional, educational, and lay contexts.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "cpr" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "cpr" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "cpr"
-far sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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