How to pronounce apprehensive
Say it like ap-rih-HEN-siv. Apprehensive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (HEN).
- ap
- rih
- HEN
- siv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Apprehensive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- apGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- HENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- sivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of apprehensive
American and British speakers say apprehensive in essentially the same way: /ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv/ in the US and /ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: ap-rih-HEN-siv.
What does apprehensive mean?
- Anticipating something with anxiety, fear, or doubt; reluctant.
- A mood indicating an undesired outcome.
Where does apprehensive come from?
From Latin apprehensīvus, from apprehensus, perfect passive participle of apprehendō (“to apprehend, understand, learn”) + -īvus (“-ive”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with apprehensive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of apprehensive.
Questions about saying apprehensive
How do you pronounce apprehensive?
Say ap-rih-HEN-siv. The American pronunciation is /ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv/. In British English it is /ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in apprehensive?
Apprehensive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (HEN). Broken into parts: ap · rih · HEN · siv.
Do Americans and Brits say apprehensive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv/ and the British form is /ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.