How to pronounce offensive
Say it like uh-FEN-siv. Offensive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FEN).
- uh
- FEN
- siv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Offensive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- 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 offensive
American and British speakers say offensive in essentially the same way: /əˈfɛnsɪv/ in the US and /əˈfɛnsɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-FEN-siv.
What does offensive mean?
- Causing offense; arousing a visceral reaction of disgust, anger, hatred, sadness, or indignation.“Some people find pornography offensive.”
- Socially disrespectful; insensitive.
- Relating to an offense or attack, as opposed to defensive.“The army's offensive capabilities. An offensive weapon.”
- An attack.“The Marines today launched a major offensive.”
- The posture of attacking or being able to attack.“He took the offensive in the press, accusing his opponent of corruption.”
Where does offensive come from?
From Middle French offensif, from offendre + -if by analogy with défensif.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- aggressive
- invidious
- offense
- offence
- violative
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with offensive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of offensive.
Questions about saying offensive
How do you pronounce offensive?
Say uh-FEN-siv. The American pronunciation is /əˈfɛnsɪv/. In British English it is /əˈfɛnsɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in offensive?
Offensive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FEN). Broken into parts: uh · FEN · siv.
Do Americans and Brits say offensive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈfɛnsɪv/ and the British form is /əˈfɛnsɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.