How to pronounce impulsive
Say it like im-PUHL-siv. Impulsive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PUHL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce impulsive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- PUHL
- siv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Impulsive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- imGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- PUHLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- sivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of impulsive
American and British speakers say impulsive in essentially the same way: /ˌɪmˈpʌlsɪv/ in the US and /ɪmˈpʌlsɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: im-PUHL-siv.
What does impulsive mean?
- Having the power of driving or impelling; giving an impulse; moving; impellent.
- Actuated by impulse or by transient feelings; inclined to make rapid decisions without due consideration.
- Of a force, acting momentarily, or by impulse; not continuous.
- That which impels or gives an impulse; an impelling agent.
- One whose behavior or personality is characterized by being impulsive.
Where does impulsive come from?
Borrowed from Middle French impulsif, from Latin impulsivus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with impulsive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of impulsive.
Questions about saying impulsive
How do you pronounce impulsive?
Say im-PUHL-siv. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪmˈpʌlsɪv/. In British English it is /ɪmˈpʌlsɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in impulsive?
Impulsive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PUHL). Broken into parts: im · PUHL · siv.
Do Americans and Brits say impulsive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪmˈpʌlsɪv/ and the British form is /ɪmˈpʌlsɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.