How to pronounce pensiveness
Say it like PEN-siv-nes. Pensiveness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pensiveness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PEN
- siv
- nes
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pensiveness 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.
- nesGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of pensiveness
American and British speakers say pensiveness in essentially the same way: /ˈpɛnsɪvˌnɛs/ in the US and /ˈpɛnsɪvˌnɛs/ in the UK.
British respelling: PEN-siv-nes.
What does pensiveness mean?
- A thoughtful or reflective state, especially if sad or melancholic.“We left quietly so as not to disturb the widow's pensiveness.”
Where does pensiveness come from?
From pensive + -ness.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying pensiveness
How do you pronounce pensiveness?
Say PEN-siv-nes. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɛnsɪvˌnɛs/. In British English it is /ˈpɛnsɪvˌnɛs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pensiveness?
Pensiveness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEN). Broken into parts: PEN · siv · nes.
Do Americans and Brits say pensiveness the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpɛnsɪvˌnɛs/ and the British form is /ˈpɛnsɪvˌnɛs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.