How to pronounce affirmatively
Say it like uh-FUR-muh-tiv-lee. Affirmatively has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce affirmatively. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- FUR
- muh
- tiv
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Affirmatively pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- muhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of affirmatively
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: uh-FUR-muh-tiv-lee.
What does affirmatively mean?
- In an affirming manner.
Where does affirmatively come from?
From Middle English affirmativeli, equivalent to affirmative + -ly.
Questions about saying affirmatively
How do you pronounce affirmatively?
Say uh-FUR-muh-tiv-lee. The American pronunciation is /əˈfɝmətɪvli/. In British English it is /əˈfɜːmətɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in affirmatively?
Affirmatively has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FUR). Broken into parts: uh · FUR · muh · tiv · lee.
Is affirmatively pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /əˈfɜːmətɪvli/ (uh-FUR-muh-tiv-lee).