How to pronounce retrospective
Say it like ret-ruh-SPEK-tiv. Retrospective has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SPEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce retrospective. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ret
- ruh
- SPEK
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Retrospective 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.
- ruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SPEKSay 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 retrospective
American and British speakers say retrospective in essentially the same way: /ˌrɛtrəˈspɛktɪv/ in the US and /ˌrɛtrəʊˈspɛktɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: ret-roh-SPEK-tiv.
What does retrospective mean?
- An exhibition of works from an extended period of an artist's activity.
- Of, relating to, or contemplating the past.
- Looking backwards.
- Affecting or influencing past things; retroactive.
Where does retrospective come from?
From retrospect + -ive.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with retrospective
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of retrospective.
Questions about saying retrospective
How do you pronounce retrospective?
Say ret-ruh-SPEK-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˌrɛtrəˈspɛktɪv/. In British English it is /ˌrɛtrəʊˈspɛktɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in retrospective?
Retrospective has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SPEK). Broken into parts: ret · ruh · SPEK · tiv.
Do Americans and Brits say retrospective the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌrɛtrəˈspɛktɪv/ and the British form is /ˌrɛtrəʊˈspɛktɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.