How do you pronounce "detective"?

In American English: /dɪˈtɛktɪv/ (di-TEHKT-iv). In British English: /dɪtˈɛktɪv/ (dit-EHKT-iv). In Canadian English: /dɪˈtɛktɪv/ (di-TEHKT-iv). In Australian English: /dɪtˈɛktɪv/ (dit-EHKT-iv).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /dɪˈtɛktɪv/ (di-TEHKT-iv), while in British English it's /dɪtˈɛktɪv/ (dit-EHKT-iv).

How to Pronounce "detective"

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detective

/dɪˈtɛktɪv/

di-TEHKT-iv

Syllable Breakdown

dɪde·tɛkttec·ɪvtive

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14