How to pronounce decisive
Say it like dih-SY-siv. Decisive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SY).
- dih
- SY
- siv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Decisive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- sivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of decisive
American and British speakers say decisive in essentially the same way: /dɪˈsaɪsɪv/ in the US and /dɪˈsaɪsɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-SY-siv.
What does decisive mean?
- Having the power or quality of deciding a question or controversy; putting an end to contest or controversy; final; conclusive.“decisive vote”
- Decided; definite; incontrovertible.
- Marked by promptness and decision, resolute; without hesitation.“decisive action”
Where does decisive come from?
From Middle French décisif, equivalent to decide + -ive.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with decisive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of decisive.
Questions about saying decisive
How do you pronounce decisive?
Say dih-SY-siv. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈsaɪsɪv/. In British English it is /dɪˈsaɪsɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in decisive?
Decisive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SY). Broken into parts: dih · SY · siv.
Do Americans and Brits say decisive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈsaɪsɪv/ and the British form is /dɪˈsaɪsɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.