How to pronounce counterintuitive
Say it like kown-tuh-rin-TOO-ih-tiv. Counterintuitive has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (TOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce counterintuitive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kown
- tuh
- rin
- TOO
- ih
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Counterintuitive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kownGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rinKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- TOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of counterintuitive
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: kown-tuh-rin-TYOO-ih-tiv.
What does counterintuitive mean?
- Contrary to intuition or common sense.
Where does counterintuitive come from?
From counter- + intuitive.
Questions about saying counterintuitive
How do you pronounce counterintuitive?
Say kown-tuh-rin-TOO-ih-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtuɪtɪv/. In British English it is /ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtjuːɪtɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in counterintuitive?
Counterintuitive has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (TOO). Broken into parts: kown · tuh · rin · TOO · ih · tiv.
Is counterintuitive pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtjuːɪtɪv/ (kown-tuh-rin-TYOO-ih-tiv).