How to pronounce inattentive
Say it like in-uh-TEN-tiv. Inattentive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce inattentive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- uh
- TEN
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Inattentive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of inattentive
American and British speakers say inattentive in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnəˈtɛntɪv/ in the US and /ˌɪnəˈtɛntɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-uh-TEN-tiv.
What does inattentive mean?
- Of or pertaining to a lack of attention; not paying attention; careless.“He was inattentive in class and did not do well in his exams.”
Where does inattentive come from?
From in- + attentive.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with inattentive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of inattentive.
Questions about saying inattentive
How do you pronounce inattentive?
Say in-uh-TEN-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnəˈtɛntɪv/. In British English it is /ˌɪnəˈtɛntɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in inattentive?
Inattentive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TEN). Broken into parts: in · uh · TEN · tiv.
Do Americans and Brits say inattentive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnəˈtɛntɪv/ and the British form is /ˌɪnəˈtɛntɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.