Pronunciation: [pˈe͡ɪlɪvˌi] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Pehlevi" can be explained using the IPA phonetic transcription. In IPA, the word is written as /ˈpɛhləvi/ with the stress on the second syllable. The first three letters, "peh," are pronounced with an aspirated /p/ sound followed by a schwa /ə/. The next two letters, "lev," are pronounced as a single syllable with a short "e" /ɛ/ and a voiced /v/. The final letter, "i," is pronounced as a long "e" /i/.
The term "Pehlevi" refers to a number of interconnected aspects within the realms of ancient history, language, and culture. Most notably, it commonly represents an ancient Iranian language that enjoyed widespread use in the period between the 3rd and 7th centuries AD. Pehlevi belonged to the Middle Iranian language family, predominantly used in the Sassanian Empire (224-651 AD). It was originally written using an Aramaic script but later adopted a modified version of the Aramaic script, known as the Pehlevi script.
Additionally, "Pehlevi" may refer to the dynasty that ruled the Sassanian Empire, named the Pahlavi dynasty (1925-1979). Under this dynasty, the official name of the country was changed from Persia to Iran. During this period, the Pahlavi dynasty drastically transformed Iran politically, economically, and socially.
Moreover, the term "Pehlevi" can also denote a distinct style of ancient Persian art, particularly prevalent during the Sassanian period. Pehlevi art is characterized by intricate and detailed renditions of geometric patterns, stylized animal motifs, royal figures, and symbolic elements.
In a broader context, "Pehlevi" can be used to refer to any aspect of the ancient Persian civilization that existed during the period of the Sassanian Empire. It encompasses the language, culture, writing system, and art forms that flourished during this era, leaving a significant mark on the historical and cultural heritage of Iran.
The word "Pehlevi" or "Pahlavi" is derived from the Middle Persian term "Pahlavīk" or "Pahlavīg", which refers to the language and culture of the Parthians, an ancient Iranian people. The Parthian Empire existed from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE and was one of the regional powers in the ancient Near East. The term "Pahlavīk" meant "Parthian", and was later extended to refer to the Middle Persian language, which developed from Parthian and became the administrative and literary language in Iran during late antiquity and the early Islamic period. The term "Pehlevi" or "Pahlavi" was further used to describe the script used to write Middle Persian, known as the Pahlavi script.
