How to pronounce invective
Say it like in-VEK-tiv. Invective has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce invective. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- VEK
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Invective 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.
- VEKSay 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 invective
American and British speakers say invective in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnˈvɛktɪv/ in the US and /ˌɪnˈvɛktɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-VEK-tiv.
What does invective mean?
- An expression which inveighs or rails against a person.
- A severe or violent censure or reproach.
- Something spoken or written, intended to cast shame, disgrace, censure, or reproach on another.
- Characterized by invection or railing.“Tom's speeches became diatribes, each more invective than the last.”
Where does invective come from?
From Middle French invective, from Medieval Latin invectiva (“abusive speech”), from Latin invectīvus, from invectus, perfect passive participle of invehō (“bring in”), from in- + vehō (“carry”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with invective
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of invective.
Questions about saying invective
How do you pronounce invective?
Say in-VEK-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈvɛktɪv/. In British English it is /ˌɪnˈvɛktɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in invective?
Invective has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VEK). Broken into parts: in · VEK · tiv.
Do Americans and Brits say invective the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnˈvɛktɪv/ and the British form is /ˌɪnˈvɛktɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.