How to pronounce secretive
Say it like SEE-kruh-tiv. Secretive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce secretive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEE
- kruh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Secretive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- kruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of secretive
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: SEE-kruh-tiv.
What does secretive mean?
- Having an inclination to secrecy.“She's a secretive girl, not giving away much about her life.”
- Relating to secretion.
Where does secretive come from?
From Middle English secretife, equivalent to secret + -ive.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying secretive
How do you pronounce secretive?
Say SEE-kruh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈsikrətɪv/. In British English it is /ˈsiːkrətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in secretive?
Secretive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEE). Broken into parts: SEE · kruh · tiv.
Is secretive pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈsiːkrətɪv/ (SEE-kruh-tiv).