How to pronounce definitive
Say it like dih-FIN-ih-tiv. Definitive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce definitive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- FIN
- ih
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Definitive 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.
- FINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- 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 definitive
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: dih-FIN-ih-tiv.
What does definitive mean?
- clearly defined or formulated“the plain and unequivocal language of the laws”
- of recognized authority or excellence“the definitive work on Greece”
- supplying or being a final or conclusive settlement“a definitive verdict”“a determinate answer to the problem”
Where does definitive come from?
From Middle French définitif.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with definitive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of definitive.
Questions about saying definitive
How do you pronounce definitive?
Say dih-FIN-ih-tiv. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv/. In British English it is /dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in definitive?
Definitive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FIN). Broken into parts: dih · FIN · ih · tiv.
Is definitive pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv/ (dih-FIN-ih-tiv).