How to pronounce adhesive
Say it like ad-HEE-siv. Adhesive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (HEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce adhesive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ad
- HEE
- siv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Adhesive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- adKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- HEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- sivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of adhesive
American and British speakers say adhesive in essentially the same way: /ædˈhisɪv/ in the US and /ədˈhiːsɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: ud-HEE-siv.
What does adhesive mean?
- a substance, such as glue, that provides or promotes adhesion“The label wouldn’t stick without strong adhesive.”
- Sticky; tenacious, as glutinous substances.“adhesive material”
- Apt or tending to adhere; clinging.
Where does adhesive come from?
From French adhésif, from Medieval Latin adhaesivus, from adhaereō (supine adhaesum); see adhere.
Words that rhyme with adhesive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of adhesive.
Questions about saying adhesive
How do you pronounce adhesive?
Say ad-HEE-siv. The American pronunciation is /ædˈhisɪv/. In British English it is /ədˈhiːsɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in adhesive?
Adhesive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (HEE). Broken into parts: ad · HEE · siv.
Do Americans and Brits say adhesive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ædˈhisɪv/ and the British form is /ədˈhiːsɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.