How to pronounce cursive
Say it like KUR-siv. Cursive has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR).
- KUR
- siv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cursive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- sivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of cursive
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KUR-siv.
What does cursive mean?
- Running; flowing.
- Having successive letters joined together.
- Of or relating to a grammatical aspect relating to an action that occurs in a straight line (in space or time).“cursive aspect”
- A cursive character, letter or font.
- A manuscript written in cursive characters.
- Joined-up handwriting.
Where does cursive come from?
Borrowed from Middle French cursif, from Medieval Latin cursīvus, from Latin cursus.
Words that rhyme with cursive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of cursive.
Questions about saying cursive
How do you pronounce cursive?
Say KUR-siv. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɝsɪv/. In British English it is /ˈkɜːsɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cursive?
Cursive has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR). Broken into parts: KUR · siv.
Is cursive pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkɜːsɪv/ (KUR-siv).