How to pronounce inoffensive
Say it like in-uh-FEN-siv. Inoffensive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce inoffensive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- uh
- FEN
- siv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Inoffensive 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.
- FENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- sivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of inoffensive
American and British speakers say inoffensive in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnəˈfɛnsɪv/ in the US and /ˌɪnəˈfɛnsɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-uh-FEN-siv.
What does inoffensive mean?
- not offensive“an inoffensive joke”
- harmless“an inoffensive plant”
Where does inoffensive come from?
From in- + offensive.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with inoffensive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of inoffensive.
Questions about saying inoffensive
How do you pronounce inoffensive?
Say in-uh-FEN-siv. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnəˈfɛnsɪv/. In British English it is /ˌɪnəˈfɛnsɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in inoffensive?
Inoffensive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FEN). Broken into parts: in · uh · FEN · siv.
Do Americans and Brits say inoffensive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnəˈfɛnsɪv/ and the British form is /ˌɪnəˈfɛnsɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.