How to pronounce defensively
Say it like dih-FEN-siv-lee. Defensively has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce defensively. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- FEN
- siv
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Defensively 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.
- FENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- sivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of defensively
American and British speakers say defensively in essentially the same way: /dɪˈfɛnsɪvli/ in the US and /dɪˈfɛnsɪvli/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-FEN-siv-lee.
What does defensively mean?
- In a defensive manner.
Where does defensively come from?
From defensive + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
- offensively
Words that rhyme with defensively
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of defensively.
Questions about saying defensively
How do you pronounce defensively?
Say dih-FEN-siv-lee. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈfɛnsɪvli/. In British English it is /dɪˈfɛnsɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in defensively?
Defensively has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FEN). Broken into parts: dih · FEN · siv · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say defensively the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈfɛnsɪvli/ and the British form is /dɪˈfɛnsɪvli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.