How to pronounce positively
Say it like POZ-uh-tiv-lee. Positively has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce positively. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- POZ
- uh
- tiv
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Positively pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- POZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tivKeep 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 positively
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: POZ-ih-tiv-lee.
What does positively mean?
- extremely“it was positively monumental”
- so as to be positive; in a positive manner“she intended her remarks to be interpreted positively”
Where does positively come from?
From Middle English positively, equivalent to positive + -ly.
Questions about saying positively
How do you pronounce positively?
Say POZ-uh-tiv-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɑzətɪvli/. In British English it is /ˈpɒzɪtɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in positively?
Positively has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POZ). Broken into parts: POZ · uh · tiv · lee.
Is positively pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈpɒzɪtɪvli/ (POZ-ih-tiv-lee).