How to pronounce attentive
Say it like uh-TEN-tiv. Attentive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce attentive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- TEN
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Attentive 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.
- TENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of attentive
American and British speakers say attentive in essentially the same way: /əˈtɛntɪv/ in the US and /əˈtɛntɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-TEN-tiv.
What does attentive mean?
- Paying attention; noticing, watching, listening, or attending closely.“She is an attentive listener, but does not like to talk much.”
- Courteous; mindful.“a husband attentive to his wife’s needs”
Where does attentive come from?
From Middle English attentif, attentijf, from Old French attentif.
Words that rhyme with attentive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of attentive.
Questions about saying attentive
How do you pronounce attentive?
Say uh-TEN-tiv. The American pronunciation is /əˈtɛntɪv/. In British English it is /əˈtɛntɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in attentive?
Attentive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEN). Broken into parts: uh · TEN · tiv.
Do Americans and Brits say attentive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈtɛntɪv/ and the British form is /əˈtɛntɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.