How to pronounce naive
Say it like ny-EEV. Naive has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (EEV).
- ny
- EEV
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Two syllables, with the stress on the second: 'ny-EEV'.
Naive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- nyGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- EEVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of naive
American and British speakers say naive in essentially the same way: /ˌnaɪˈiv/ in the US and /ˌnaɪˈiːv/ in the UK.
British respelling: ny-EEV.
What does naive mean?
- Lacking worldly experience, wisdom, or judgement; unsophisticated.
- Not having been exposed to something.
- Produced in a simple, childlike style, deliberately rejecting sophisticated techniques.
- A naive person; a greenhorn.
Where does naive come from?
Borrowed from French naïve, feminine form of naïf, from Latin nātīvus (“native, natural”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with naive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of naive.
Questions about saying naive
How do you pronounce naive?
Say ny-EEV. The American pronunciation is /ˌnaɪˈiv/. In British English it is /ˌnaɪˈiːv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in naive?
Naive has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (EEV). Broken into parts: ny · EEV.
Do Americans and Brits say naive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌnaɪˈiv/ and the British form is /ˌnaɪˈiːv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.