How to pronounce passively
Say it like PAS-iv-lee. Passively has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce passively. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PAS
- iv
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Passively pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PASSay 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.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of passively
American and British speakers say passively in essentially the same way: /ˈpæsɪvli/ in the US and /ˈpæsɪvli/ in the UK.
British respelling: PAS-iv-lee.
What does passively mean?
- In a passive manner; without conscious or self-directed action.
- In an acquiescent manner; resignedly or submissively.
- In the passive voice; having a passive construction.
Where does passively come from?
From passive + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with passively
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of passively.
Questions about saying passively
How do you pronounce passively?
Say PAS-iv-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈpæsɪvli/. In British English it is /ˈpæsɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in passively?
Passively has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAS). Broken into parts: PAS · iv · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say passively the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpæsɪvli/ and the British form is /ˈpæsɪvli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.