How to pronounce pensive
Say it like PEN-siv. Pensive has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEN).
- PEN
- siv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pensive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PENSay 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 pensive
American and British speakers say pensive in essentially the same way: /ˈpɛnsɪv/ in the US and /ˈpɛntsɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: PENT-siv.
What does pensive mean?
- Engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought.“He sat in pensive silence, weighing his options carefully.”
- Having the appearance of deep, often melancholic, thinking.“The author’s tone grows pensive in the final chapters.”
- Looking thoughtful, especially from sadness.
Where does pensive come from?
From Middle English pensif, pensyfe, pencyve, from Old French pensif (“thoughtful”), from penser (“to think”) (from Latin pēnsō) + -if (English -ive).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with pensive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of pensive.
- extensive
- offensive
- defensive
- comprehensive
- intensive
- apprehensive
- inoffensive
- hypertensive
- counteroffensive
Questions about saying pensive
How do you pronounce pensive?
Say PEN-siv. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɛnsɪv/. In British English it is /ˈpɛntsɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pensive?
Pensive has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEN). Broken into parts: PEN · siv.
Do Americans and Brits say pensive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpɛnsɪv/ and the British form is /ˈpɛntsɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.