How to pronounce sensitive
Say it like SEN-suh-tiv. Sensitive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sensitive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEN
- suh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sensitive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- suhKeep 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 sensitive
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: SEN-sih-tiv.
What does sensitive mean?
- responsive to physical stimuli“a mimosa's leaves are sensitive to touch”“a sensitive voltmeter”
- being susceptible to the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others“sensitive to the local community and its needs”
- able to feel or perceive“even amoeba are sensible creatures”“the more sensible parts of the skin”
- someone who serves as an intermediary between the living and the dead“he consulted several mediums”
Where does sensitive come from?
From Middle French sensitif, from Medieval Latin sensitivus.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying sensitive
How do you pronounce sensitive?
Say SEN-suh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛnsətɪv/. In British English it is /ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sensitive?
Sensitive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEN). Broken into parts: SEN · suh · tiv.
Is sensitive 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 /ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/ (SEN-sih-tiv).