How to pronounce tentatively
Say it like TEN-tuh-tiv-lee. Tentatively has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tentatively. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TEN
- tuh
- tiv
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tentatively pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tuhKeep 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.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of tentatively
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: TEN-tuh-tiv-lee.
What does tentatively mean?
- In a tentative manner.
Where does tentatively come from?
From tentative + -ly.
Questions about saying tentatively
How do you pronounce tentatively?
Say TEN-tuh-tiv-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɛntətɪvli/. In British English it is /ˈtɛntətɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tentatively?
Tentatively has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEN). Broken into parts: TEN · tuh · tiv · lee.
Is tentatively 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 /ˈtɛntətɪvli/ (TEN-tuh-tiv-lee).