How to pronounce furtively
Say it like FUR-tiv-lee. Furtively has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce furtively. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FUR
- tiv
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Furtively pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- 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 furtively
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: FUR-tiv-lee.
What does furtively mean?
- In a furtive manner.
Where does furtively come from?
From Middle English furtyvely; equivalent to furtive + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with furtively
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of furtively.
Questions about saying furtively
How do you pronounce furtively?
Say FUR-tiv-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɝtɪvli/. In British English it is /ˈfɜːtɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in furtively?
Furtively has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FUR). Broken into parts: FUR · tiv · lee.
Is furtively pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈfɜːtɪvli/ (FUR-tiv-lee).