How to pronounce prohibitively
Say it like proh-HIB-uh-tiv-lee. Prohibitively has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (HIB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce prohibitively. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- proh
- HIB
- uh
- tiv
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Prohibitively pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- prohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- HIBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- 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 prohibitively
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: proh-HIB-uh-tiv-lee.
What does prohibitively mean?
- In a prohibitive manner.
- To a prohibitive extent.“a prohibitively expensive gift”
Where does prohibitively come from?
From prohibitive + -ly.
Questions about saying prohibitively
How do you pronounce prohibitively?
Say proh-HIB-uh-tiv-lee. The American pronunciation is /proʊˈhɪbətɪvli/. In British English it is /prəʊˈhɪbətɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in prohibitively?
Prohibitively has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (HIB). Broken into parts: proh · HIB · uh · tiv · lee.
Is prohibitively pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /prəʊˈhɪbətɪvli/ (proh-HIB-uh-tiv-lee).