How to pronounce protectively
Say it like pruh-TEK-tiv-lee. Protectively has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce protectively. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pruh
- TEK
- tiv
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Protectively pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- 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 protectively
American and British speakers say protectively in essentially the same way: /prəˈtɛktɪvli/ in the US and /prəˈtɛktɪvli/ in the UK.
British respelling: pruh-TEK-tiv-lee.
What does protectively mean?
- In a protective manner.
Where does protectively come from?
From protective + -ly.
Words that rhyme with protectively
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of protectively.
Questions about saying protectively
How do you pronounce protectively?
Say pruh-TEK-tiv-lee. The American pronunciation is /prəˈtɛktɪvli/. In British English it is /prəˈtɛktɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in protectively?
Protectively has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEK). Broken into parts: pruh · TEK · tiv · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say protectively the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /prəˈtɛktɪvli/ and the British form is /prəˈtɛktɪvli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.