How to pronounce massive
Say it like MAS-iv. Massive has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce massive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MAS
- iv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Massive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MASSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of massive
American and British speakers say massive in essentially the same way: /ˈmæsɪv/ in the US and /ˈmæsɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: MAS-iv.
What does massive mean?
- imposing in size or bulk or solidity“massive oak doors”“Moore's massive sculptures”
- being the same substance throughout“massive silver”
- imposing in scale or scope or degree or power“massive retaliatory power”“a massive increase in oil prices”
Where does massive come from?
From Middle English massif, from Middle French massif, equivalent to mass + -ive.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with massive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of massive.
Questions about saying massive
How do you pronounce massive?
Say MAS-iv. The American pronunciation is /ˈmæsɪv/. In British English it is /ˈmæsɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in massive?
Massive has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAS). Broken into parts: MAS · iv.
Do Americans and Brits say massive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmæsɪv/ and the British form is /ˈmæsɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.