How Do You Spell PERENNIAL?

Pronunciation: [pəɹˈɛnɪəl] (IPA)

The word "perennial" is spelled with two e's in the middle, which can cause confusion because they are pronounced differently. The first e, represented in phonetic transcription as /ə/, is pronounced as a schwa sound, while the second e, represented as /ɛ/, is pronounced as a short "e" sound. The word means "lasting over an indefinitely long time" and is often used to describe plants that come back year after year. Remembering the correct spelling with two e's can ensure clear communication in written communication.

PERENNIAL Meaning and Definition

1. Perennial is an adjective that refers to something that lasts or remains active, present, or in existence throughout the year or for an extended period. It represents a quality or characteristic of being enduring, recurrent, or persistent.

   In the context of plants, perennial typically describes those that live for more than two years, repeatedly growing and blooming during each growing season. These plants have a root system that survives underground during the dormant period and continue to produce new aboveground growth in the favorable seasons. Contrary to annual plants that complete their lifecycle in a single year, perennial plants can continue to flourish and reproduce for multiple years, demonstrating their enduring nature.

   The term is also used metaphorically to describe ideas, traditions, or problems that are long-lasting or recurrent. For example, a perennial philosophy refers to a set of fundamental ideas or principles that remain influential and relevant across different eras or cultures. Additionally, perennial issues or problems are persistent and continue to reoccur over time.

   In a figurative sense, perennial can describe an individual or thing that is considered timeless, classic, or ever-popular. This usage implies that the person or item remains relevant, admired, or enjoyed by many over an extended period, even as trends and preferences change.

2. Lasting several years; noting, in botany, a plant which does not die down at the end of each season or each two seasons.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. • A plant whose leaves generally perish annually, but whose root and stem survive for more than two years.

   • Lasting through the year; flowering for several years; perpetual; unceasing.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for PERENNIAL *

• perrenial 39.6694214%
• perinnial 4.5454545%
• perinial 2.4793388%
• perrennial 2.0661157%
• perinneal 1.6528925%
• prennial 1.6528925%
• perinnials 0.4132231%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for PERENNIAL

• personial
• perenials
• perenniel
• perriennial
• periennials
• perential
• perannials
• perental
• perennail
• pereinnial
• cereonial
• periennial
• prennials
• pernial
• prenial
• perennite
• tercennial
• Pereniyal
• Pereinia
• Pereniia
• prernial

Etymology of PERENNIAL

The word "perennial" has its origins in the Latin word "perennis". "Per" means "through" or "from end to end", and "ennis" means "year". Therefore, "perennis" can be translated as "throughout the year" or "lasting through the year". Over time, this Latin word evolved into the Old French word "perinel" and eventually became "perennial" in English. In botany, "perennial" refers to plants that survive multiple years and regenerate themselves seasonally.

Similar spelling word for PERENNIAL

• perennially.

Plural form of PERENNIAL is PERENNIALS