How to pronounce pretentiously
Say it like prih-TEN-shus-lee. Pretentiously has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pretentiously. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- prih
- TEN
- shus
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pretentiously pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- prihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- TENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of pretentiously
American and British speakers say pretentiously in essentially the same way: /prɪˈtɛnʃəsli/ in the US and /prɪˈtɛnʃəsliː/ in the UK.
British respelling: prih-TEN-shus-lee.
What does pretentiously mean?
- In a manner with unwarranted claim to importance or distinction.
- Ostentatiously; in a manner intended to impress others.
- In a manner demanding of skill or daring.
Where does pretentiously come from?
From pretentious + -ly.
Questions about saying pretentiously
How do you pronounce pretentiously?
Say prih-TEN-shus-lee. The American pronunciation is /prɪˈtɛnʃəsli/. In British English it is /prɪˈtɛnʃəsliː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pretentiously?
Pretentiously has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEN). Broken into parts: prih · TEN · shus · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say pretentiously the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /prɪˈtɛnʃəsli/ and the British form is /prɪˈtɛnʃəsliː/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.