How to pronounce assertiveness
Say it like uh-SUR-tiv-nus. Assertiveness has four 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 assertiveness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- SUR
- tiv
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Assertiveness 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.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of assertiveness
- 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-nus.
What does assertiveness mean?
- The quality of being assertive.
Where does assertiveness come from?
From assertive + -ness.
Questions about saying assertiveness
How do you pronounce assertiveness?
Say uh-SUR-tiv-nus. The American pronunciation is /əˈsɝtɪvnəs/. In British English it is /əˈsɜːtɪvnəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in assertiveness?
Assertiveness has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR). Broken into parts: uh · SUR · tiv · nus.
Is assertiveness 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 /əˈsɜːtɪvnəs/ (uh-SUR-tiv-nus).