How to pronounce definitively
Say it like dih-FIN-ih-tiv-lee. Definitively has five 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 definitively. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- FIN
- ih
- tiv
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Definitively 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.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of definitively
- 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-lee.
What does definitively mean?
- In a way that is not only decisive, but also conclusive and final.
Where does definitively come from?
From definitive + -ly.
Questions about saying definitively
How do you pronounce definitively?
Say dih-FIN-ih-tiv-lee. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈfɪnɪtɪvli/. In British English it is /dɪˈfɪnɪtɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in definitively?
Definitively has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FIN). Broken into parts: dih · FIN · ih · tiv · lee.
Is definitively 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 /dɪˈfɪnɪtɪvli/ (dih-FIN-ih-tiv-lee).