3 syllables: par, a, site. Stress on par.
PER-uh-seyet
/ˈpɛɹəˌsaɪt/
parasite is pronounced PER-uh-seyet (/ˈpɛɹəˌsaɪt/). It has three syllables (par-a-site), with the stress on "par". Parasite refers to an organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) from which it derives sustenance, often causing harm. The term can also describe a person who exploits others. It denotes a symbiotic relationship that is typically detrimental to the host and neutral or beneficial to the parasite, depending on context. The word conveys a sense of dependence and exploitation rather than mutual benefit.
Parasite refers to an organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) from which it derives sustenance, often causing harm. The term can also describe a person who exploits others. It denotes a symbiotic relationship that is typically detrimental to the host and neutral or beneficial to the parasite, depending on context. The word conveys a sense of dependence and exploitation rather than mutual benefit.
- You may over-emphasize the second syllable, saying pa-RI-site; correct by keeping main emphasis on the first syllable and maintaining a clear /ˈpær/ onset before the /ə/ and /saɪt/ tail. - Another frequent error is mispronouncing the final /aɪt/ as /iː/ or /ət/. Focus on the full diphthong /aɪ/ and closed /t/. Practice with minimal pairs: parasite vs parasitic to hear the contrast in final cluster. - Vowel reduction can turn /ə/ into /ɪ/ or /ʌ/ in connected speech. Practice the schwa in the second syllable, keeping it light and unstressed. Use slow, careful pronunciation before speeding up.
"The parasite attaches itself to its host and feeds on its blood."
"Some parasites can survive in harsh environments, making eradication difficult."
"A parasite can be a threat to livestock and crops if not controlled."
Pronounce as par-uh- site with the primary stress on the first syllable: /ˈpær.əˌsaɪt/ in US/UK; in careful speech, you may hear a clearer separation: /ˈpær.əˌsaɪt/. The middle vowel is a schwa in rapid speech, but in careful pronunciation you can use a full ‘uh’ sound. Mouth position: start with a rounded, open front vowel for /pæ/ then a schwa for /ə/ and end with the long /aɪ/ diphthong. Audio resources: try Cambridge or Oxford audio dictionaries for listening reference.
Two common errors: (1) stressing the second syllable (pa-RA-site) instead of the first. Correct by keeping primary stress on the first syllable: /ˈpær.əˌsaɪt/. (2) mispronouncing the final /aɪt/ as /iːt/ or /ət/ due to vowel reduction. Use the full /aɪ/ in the last syllable and avoid turning it into a long /iː/ or a silent ending. Practice with slow, deliberate articulation: /ˈpær.əˌsaɪt/.
In US English, /ˈpær.əˌsaɪt/ with a slightly fronted /æ/ in the first syllable and a rhotic influence on the /r/ following it is common. In UK English, /ˈpɑː.rəˌsaɪt/ may have a longer first vowel and a reduced second syllable, with non-rhoticity affecting the r-sound. Australian English typically features /ˈpær.əˌsaɪt/ similar to US but with a broader, less rhotic vowel in the second syllable and a slightly fronted /æ/ depending on speaker. Note the final /aɪt/ diphthong stays /aɪ/.
Three aspects: (1) the two-syllable rhythm with a mid-word schwa can trip speakers into vowel reduction; (2) the final /aɪt/ forms a tight diphthong that can blur in rapid speech; (3) the combination of /p/ + /æ/ or /ɑː/ at the start plus the /r/ or reduced /ə/ in the middle requires precise tongue positioning. Practicing with slow, deliberate enunciation helps you maintain clear syllable boundaries and the correct diphthong integrity.
A common unique consideration is the optional linking in fast speech where the final /t/ may be released or clipped, leading to /ˈpær.ə.saɪt/ vs /ˈpær.əsaɪt/ without strong t-aspiration. Also, the middle /ə/ can reduce to a nearly hidden schwa in casual speech, making the word sound like /ˈpæɹəsaɪt/ to some listeners. If you’ve been hearing it as /ˈpɜːrəsˌaɪt/, adjust toward the front vowels and crisp /t/ release.
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- US: /ˈpær.əˌsaɪt/ with a rhotic r and a short /ə/; keep the first vowel bright and open. - UK: /ˈpɑː.rə.saɪt/ features a longer first vowel and a non-rhotic r; the second syllable uses a schwa before /saɪt/. - AU: /ˈpæɹ.əˌsaɪt/ often similar to US but with more variable vowel length and a less pronounced rhotic; smoothing the /r/ can help align with Australian preferences. IPA remains a reliable anchor across accents.
Parasite comes from the Late Latin parasite, from Greek parasite, meaning ‘one who feeds off another,’ from para- ‘beside’ + sitos ‘food’ or ‘grain’ (related to sitos ‘grain’). The root satos is linked to the idea of eating or feeding. The transition into English occurred in the 17th century, initially in medical or biological usage to describe organisms living off hosts. Across time, the term broadened to include social metaphorical uses (pejorative ‘parasite’ for a dependent person). The word’s core sense—an organism living by exploiting another—has remained consistent, while connotations have varied by context (biological, social, metaphorical). The accentuation fell into place as par-a-site, with stress typically on the first syllable in English, though some rapid speech can blur syllables. First known use in English traces to early modern scientific writing, aligning with the period of systematic biological classification and public health concerns about parasitic infections.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "parasite" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "parasite"
-ite sounds
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