How to pronounce plaintively
Say it like PLAYN-tyve-lee. Plaintively has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PLAYN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce plaintively. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PLAYN
- tyve
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Plaintively pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PLAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tyveGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of plaintively
American and British speakers say plaintively in essentially the same way: /ˈpleɪnˌtaɪvli/ in the US and /ˈpleɪnˌtaɪvli/ in the UK.
British respelling: PLAYN-tyve-lee.
What does plaintively mean?
- In a plaintive manner.
Where does plaintively come from?
From plaintive + -ly.
Questions about saying plaintively
How do you pronounce plaintively?
Say PLAYN-tyve-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈpleɪnˌtaɪvli/. In British English it is /ˈpleɪnˌtaɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in plaintively?
Plaintively has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PLAYN). Broken into parts: PLAYN · tyve · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say plaintively the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpleɪnˌtaɪvli/ and the British form is /ˈpleɪnˌtaɪvli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.