How to pronounce executive
Say it like ig-ZEK-yuh-tiv. Executive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce executive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ig
- ZEK
- yuh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Executive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- igKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ZEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- yuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of executive
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: ig-ZEK-yuu-tiv.
What does executive mean?
- a person responsible for the administration of a business
- persons who administer the law
- someone who manages a government agency or department
- having the function of carrying out plans or orders etc.“the executive branch”
Where does executive come from?
From Middle French executif, from Latin executivus, from Latin exsequi, from ex- ‘out’ + sequi ‘follow’.
Words that rhyme with executive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of executive.
Questions about saying executive
How do you pronounce executive?
Say ig-ZEK-yuh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ɪɡˈzɛkjətɪv/. In British English it is /ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in executive?
Executive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZEK). Broken into parts: ig · ZEK · yuh · tiv.
Is executive 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 /ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtɪv/ (ig-ZEK-yuu-tiv).