How to pronounce reflexive
Say it like ruh-FLEK-siv. Reflexive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FLEK).
- ruh
- FLEK
- siv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reflexive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FLEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- sivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of reflexive
American and British speakers say reflexive in essentially the same way: /rəˈflɛksɪv/ in the US and /rɪˈflɛksɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-FLEK-siv.
What does reflexive mean?
- A reflexive pronoun.
- A reflexive verb.
- Referring back to the subject, or having an object equal to the subject.
- Of a relation R on a set S, such that xRx for all members x of S (that is, the relation holds between any element of the set and itself).
- Of or resulting from a reflex.“The electric shock elicited an automatic and reflexive response from him.”
Where does reflexive come from?
From Medieval Latin reflexīvus, from Latin reflexus, equivalent to reflex + -ive.
Questions about saying reflexive
How do you pronounce reflexive?
Say ruh-FLEK-siv. The American pronunciation is /rəˈflɛksɪv/. In British English it is /rɪˈflɛksɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reflexive?
Reflexive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FLEK). Broken into parts: ruh · FLEK · siv.
Do Americans and Brits say reflexive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rəˈflɛksɪv/ and the British form is /rɪˈflɛksɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.