How to pronounce tenacity
Say it like tuh-NAS-ih-tee. Tenacity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NAS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tenacity. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- tuh
- NAS
- ih
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tenacity pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- NASSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of tenacity
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: tuh-NAS-ih-tee.
What does tenacity mean?
- The quality or state of being tenacious, or persistence of purpose; tenaciousness.
- The quality of bodies which keeps them from parting without considerable force, as distinguished from brittleness, fragility, mobility, etc.
- The effect of this attraction, cohesiveness.
Where does tenacity come from?
From Middle French ténacité, from Latin tenācitās (whence -acity).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with tenacity
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of tenacity.
Questions about saying tenacity
How do you pronounce tenacity?
Say tuh-NAS-ih-tee. The American pronunciation is /təˈnæsɪti/. In British English it is /təˈnæsɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tenacity?
Tenacity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NAS). Broken into parts: tuh · NAS · ih · tee.
Is tenacity 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 /təˈnæsɪti/ (tuh-NAS-ih-tee).