How to pronounce adjective
Say it like AJ-ik-tiv. Adjective has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AJ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce adjective. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AJ
- ik
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Adjective pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AJSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of adjective
American and British speakers say adjective in essentially the same way: /ˈædʒɪktɪv/ in the US and /ˈædʒɪktɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: AJ-ik-tiv.
What does adjective mean?
- A word that modifies a noun or noun phrase or describes a noun’s referent.“The words “big” and “heavy” are English adjectives.”
- Adjectival; pertaining to or functioning as an adjective.
- Applying to methods of enforcement and rules of procedure.
- Needing the use of a mordant to be made fast to that which is being dyed.
- To make an adjective of; to form or convert into an adjective.
- To characterize with an adjective; to describe by using an adjective.
Where does adjective come from?
From Middle English adjectif, adjective, from Old French adjectif, from Latin adiectivus, from adiciō + -īvus, from ad- (“to, towards, at”) + iaciō (“throw”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying adjective
How do you pronounce adjective?
Say AJ-ik-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈædʒɪktɪv/. In British English it is /ˈædʒɪktɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in adjective?
Adjective has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AJ). Broken into parts: AJ · ik · tiv.
Do Americans and Brits say adjective the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈædʒɪktɪv/ and the British form is /ˈædʒɪktɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.