How to pronounce restive
Say it like RES-tiv. Restive has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce restive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RES
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Restive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RESSay 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.
American vs British pronunciation of restive
American and British speakers say restive in essentially the same way: /ˈrɛstɪv/ in the US and /ˈrɛstɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: RES-tiv.
What does restive mean?
- Impatient under delay, duress, or control.
- Resistant to control; stubborn.
- Refusing to move, especially in a forward direction.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with restive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of restive.
Questions about saying restive
How do you pronounce restive?
Say RES-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɛstɪv/. In British English it is /ˈrɛstɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in restive?
Restive has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RES). Broken into parts: RES · tiv.
Do Americans and Brits say restive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɛstɪv/ and the British form is /ˈrɛstɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.