How to pronounce assertive
Say it like uh-SUR-tiv. Assertive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce assertive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- SUR
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Assertive 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.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of assertive
- 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-SUR-tiv.
What does assertive mean?
- Boldly self-assured; confident without being aggressive.
- Pungent.“an assertive taste or odor”
- An assertion.
Where does assertive come from?
Borrowed from Medieval Latin assertīvus.
Words that rhyme with assertive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of assertive.
Questions about saying assertive
How do you pronounce assertive?
Say uh-SUR-tiv. The American pronunciation is /əˈsɝtɪv/. In British English it is /əˈsɜːtɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in assertive?
Assertive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR). Broken into parts: uh · SUR · tiv.
Is assertive 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 /əˈsɜːtɪv/ (uh-SUR-tiv).