How to pronounce compulsive
Say it like kum-PUHL-siv. Compulsive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PUHL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce compulsive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kum
- PUHL
- siv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Compulsive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- PUHLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- sivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of compulsive
American and British speakers say compulsive in essentially the same way: /kəmˈpʌlsɪv/ in the US and /kəmˈpʌlsɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: kum-PUHL-siv.
What does compulsive mean?
- One who exhibits compulsive behaviors.
- Uncontrolled or reactive and irresistible.“Jenny is a compulsive liar, don't believe a thing she says.”
- Having power to compel; exercising or applying compulsion.
Where does compulsive come from?
Borrowed from French compulsif, formed from Latin compulsus, past participle of compellere (“to compel”), from com- (“together”) + pellere (“to drive”).
Words that rhyme with compulsive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of compulsive.
Questions about saying compulsive
How do you pronounce compulsive?
Say kum-PUHL-siv. The American pronunciation is /kəmˈpʌlsɪv/. In British English it is /kəmˈpʌlsɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in compulsive?
Compulsive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PUHL). Broken into parts: kum · PUHL · siv.
Do Americans and Brits say compulsive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kəmˈpʌlsɪv/ and the British form is /kəmˈpʌlsɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.