How to pronounce retroactive
Say it like ret-roh-AK-tiv. Retroactive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (AK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce retroactive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ret
- roh
- AK
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Retroactive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- retGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- rohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- AKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of retroactive
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: ret-roh-AK-tiv.
What does retroactive mean?
- Extending in scope, effect, application or influence to a prior time or to prior conditions
Where does retroactive come from?
First attested in 1610.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with retroactive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of retroactive.
- attractive
- interactive
- radioactive
- inactive
- reactive
- proactive
- unattractive
- refractive
- psychoactive
- hyperactive
Questions about saying retroactive
How do you pronounce retroactive?
Say ret-roh-AK-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˌrɛtroʊˈæktɪv/. In British English it is /ˌrɛtrəʊˈæktɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in retroactive?
Retroactive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (AK). Broken into parts: ret · roh · AK · tiv.
Is retroactive 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 /ˌrɛtrəʊˈæktɪv/ (ret-roh-AK-tiv).