How to pronounce aggressive
Say it like uh-GRES-iv. Aggressive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (GRES).
- uh
- GRES
- iv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Aggressive 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.
- GRESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of aggressive
American and British speakers say aggressive in essentially the same way: /əˈɡrɛsɪv/ in the US and /əˈɡrɛsɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-GRES-iv.
What does aggressive mean?
- Characterized by aggression; highly combative; prone to behave in a way that involves attacking (especially if unjustly) or arguing.“an aggressive policy, war, person, nation”
- Tends to attack the player while unprovoked.“Zombies are aggressive once you are near them.”
- Exploiting every opportunity to be applied.
- One who is aggressive.
- A (Black) woman who presents as masculine; a butch.
Where does aggressive come from?
From aggress + -ive. Compare with French agressif.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- fast-growing
- strong-growing
- belligerent
Opposite meaning
- unaggressive
Words that rhyme with aggressive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of aggressive.
Questions about saying aggressive
How do you pronounce aggressive?
Say uh-GRES-iv. The American pronunciation is /əˈɡrɛsɪv/. In British English it is /əˈɡrɛsɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in aggressive?
Aggressive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (GRES). Broken into parts: uh · GRES · iv.
Do Americans and Brits say aggressive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈɡrɛsɪv/ and the British form is /əˈɡrɛsɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.