How to pronounce constructive
Say it like kun-STRUHK-tiv. Constructive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRUHK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce constructive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- STRUHK
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Constructive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- STRUHKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of constructive
American and British speakers say constructive in essentially the same way: /kənˈstrʌktɪv/ in the US and /kənˈstrʌktɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: kun-STRUHK-tiv.
What does constructive mean?
- constructing or tending to construct or improve or promote development“constructive criticism”“a constructive attitude”
- emphasizing what is laudable or hopeful or to the good“constructive criticism”
Where does constructive come from?
From Latin cōnstrūctīvus.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with constructive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of constructive.
- productive
- destructive
- reproductive
- seductive
- unproductive
- conductive
- instructive
- obstructive
- inductive
- reductive
Questions about saying constructive
How do you pronounce constructive?
Say kun-STRUHK-tiv. The American pronunciation is /kənˈstrʌktɪv/. In British English it is /kənˈstrʌktɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in constructive?
Constructive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STRUHK). Broken into parts: kun · STRUHK · tiv.
Do Americans and Brits say constructive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kənˈstrʌktɪv/ and the British form is /kənˈstrʌktɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.