How do you pronounce "defensiveness"?

In American English: /dɪˈfɛnsɪvnəs/ (di-FEHNS-ivn-uhs). In British English: /dɪfˈɛnsɪvnəs/ (dif-EHNS-ivn-uhs). In Canadian English: /dɪˈfɛnsɪvnəs/ (di-FEHNS-ivn-uhs). In Australian English: /dɪfˈɛnsɪvnəs/ (dif-EHNS-ivn-uhs).

Is "defensiveness" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /dɪˈfɛnsɪvnəs/ (di-FEHNS-ivn-uhs), while in British English it's /dɪfˈɛnsɪvnəs/ (dif-EHNS-ivn-uhs).

How to Pronounce "defensiveness"

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defensiveness

disputed

/dɪˈfɛnsɪvnəs/

di-FEHNS-ivn-uhs

Syllable Breakdown

dɪde·fɛnsfen·ɪvnsive·əsness

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14