How to pronounce caitiff
Say it like KAY-tif. Caitiff has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAY).
- KAY
- tif
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Caitiff pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tifKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of caitiff
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KAY-tif.
What does caitiff mean?
- A base or despicable person; a wretch.
- Especially despicable; cowardly
Where does caitiff come from?
From Middle English caitif, from Anglo-Norman caitif (“captive”), akin to Old French chaitif (French chétif) and Middle Dutch keytyf, from a Vulgar Latin *cactīvus alteration via Gaulish influence from Latin captīvus (“captive”); compare It
Questions about saying caitiff
How do you pronounce caitiff?
Say KAY-tif. The American pronunciation is /ˈkeɪtɪf/. In British English it is /ˈkeɪtɪf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in caitiff?
Caitiff has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAY). Broken into parts: KAY · tif.
Is caitiff pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈkeɪtɪf/ (KAY-tif).