How to pronounce transitive
Say it like TRAN-zih-tiv. Transitive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TRAN).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈtrænzɪtɪv/TRAN-zih-tiv
UK British/ˈtrænzɪtɪv/TRAN-zih-tiv
- TRAN
- zih
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Transitive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TRANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- zihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of transitive
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: TRAN-zih-tiv.
What does transitive mean?
adjective
- Making a transit or passage.
- Affected by transference of signification.
- Taking a direct object or objects.“The English verb "to notice" is a transitive verb, because we say things like "She noticed a problem".”
- A transitive verb.
Where does transitive come from?
From Latin trānsitīvus, from trānsitus, from trāns (“across”) + itus, from eō (“to go”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
- intransitive
- nontransitive
Questions about saying transitive
How do you pronounce transitive?
Say TRAN-zih-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈtrænzɪtɪv/. In British English it is /ˈtrænzɪtɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in transitive?
Transitive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TRAN). Broken into parts: TRAN · zih · tiv.
Is transitive 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 /ˈtrænzɪtɪv/ (TRAN-zih-tiv).