3 syllables: Pris, cil, la. Stress on cil.
pris-IL-uh
/pɹɪˈsɪlə/
Priscilla is pronounced pris-IL-uh (/pɹɪˈsɪlə/). It has three syllables (Pris-cil-la), with the stress on "cil". Priscilla is a female given name of Latin origin, popular in English-speaking countries. It often denotes a person of classic, gentle demeanor. The name is used in everyday contexts, in fiction and real life, and carries a light, feminine tone in most registers.
nounPriscilla is a female given name of Latin origin, popular in English-speaking countries. It often denotes a person of classic, gentle demeanor. The name is used in everyday contexts, in fiction and real life, and carries a light, feminine tone in most registers.
How to Pronounce Priscilla
"She introduced herself as Priscilla during the conference."
"The character Priscilla speaks softly and with clear enunciation."
"Priscilla invited everyone to the book club after the meeting."
Pronounce as pri-SIL-la, with three syllables and primary stress on the second: /prɪˈsɪlə/. Start with a short 'pr' blend, then a clear 'i' like 'kit', followed by a crisp 'sil' (as in 'sizzle' without the z noise), and finish with a light 'la'. The vowel in the first syllable is reduced, but the second syllable carries the main emphasis. Try to keep the tongue relaxed for the final 'la' to avoid a trailing vowel sound. IPA: US/UK/AU /prɪˈsɪlə/.
Common errors: 1) Skipping a syllable and saying 'PRI-sla' or 'PRIS-illa' with less emphasis on the second syllable. 2) Over-stressing the first syllable, turning it into 'PRIH-sih-luh'. 3) Vowel mispronunciations in the middle 'si' as a long 'see' sound; keep it as a short 'i' like in 'sit'. Correction: use /prɪˈsɪlə/, emphasize the second syllable, and keep the 'si' short and crisp.
Across accents, the core is stable: /prɪˈsɪlə/. In US, non-rhoticity is not typical here; you’ll hear a neutral 'r' not affecting this word’s rlessness. In UK, you might hear a slightly more clipped 'i', but the three-syllable rhythm remains: pri-SIL-la. In Australian English, expect slightly broader vowels and a touch more openness in the final 'a', but still the second syllable is strongest. The main difference is vowel quality and tempo, not the syllable count.
Priscilla challenges two features: 1) managing three syllables with the middle vowel /ɪ/ in a stressed position; 2) keeping the syllable-timed rhythm so the second syllable stands out without elongating the final -la. The combination of a short, clipped middle vowel and a light final vowel can cause a muffled or rushed second syllable if you’re not careful. Practice with slow, deliberate enunciation: /prɪˈsɪlə/.
Is the middle 'sil' syllable really the peak of stress or can you shift slightly to 'PRI-sil-la' in rapid speech? The standard is clearly on the second syllable, /prɪˈsɪlə/. In connected speech, you may hear a reduced first vowel, but maintain the three distinct syllables and a stable stress on the middle for naturalness.
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Priscilla comes from the Latin feminine diminutive of Prisca, meaning 'ancient' or 'venerable'. Prisca itself derives from Latin prisus meaning 'ancient', connected to early Christian saints such as Prisca (Claudia Prisca) in the 1st century. The name likely entered English usage via Catholic and Protestant traditions, especially during the Middle Ages, as many Latin-derived names did. In English, Priscilla has retained a gentle, classical sound, with the stress typically on the first syllable: PRI-sil-la. The form evolved through forms like Prisca, Prisila, and eventually Priscilla, with the double consonant and final -a typical of feminine Latin-based names adopted into English. First known usage in English texts appears in medieval hagiographies and later in literature as literacy and name banks expanded during the 16th–19th centuries.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Priscilla" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Priscilla" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Priscilla"
-lla sounds
-me) sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
