How to pronounce obsessive
Say it like ub-SES-iv. Obsessive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce obsessive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ub
- SES
- iv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Obsessive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ubKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of obsessive
American and British speakers say obsessive in essentially the same way: /əbˈsɛsɪv/ in the US and /əbˈsɛsɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: ub-SES-iv.
What does obsessive mean?
- A person who is obsessed, who has an obsession.
- Prone to cause obsession.“The idea is too tempting, it's obsessive.”
- Having one thought or pursuing one activity (an obsession) to the absolute or nearly absolute exclusion of all others.“Hardcore fans' obsessive behavior may take over their lives.”
- Excessive, as results from obsession.“A workaholic's obsessive zeal may lead to success or burnout.”
Where does obsessive come from?
From obsess + -ive.
Words that rhyme with obsessive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of obsessive.
- impressive
- progressive
- aggressive
- excessive
- successive
- oppressive
- expressive
- depressive
- possessive
- repressive
Questions about saying obsessive
How do you pronounce obsessive?
Say ub-SES-iv. The American pronunciation is /əbˈsɛsɪv/. In British English it is /əbˈsɛsɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in obsessive?
Obsessive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SES). Broken into parts: ub · SES · iv.
Do Americans and Brits say obsessive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əbˈsɛsɪv/ and the British form is /əbˈsɛsɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.