How do you pronounce "expensive"?

In American English: /ɪkˈspɛnsɪv/ (ik-SPEHNS-iv). In British English: /ɪkspˈɛnsɪv/ (iksp-EHNS-iv). In Canadian English: /ɪkˈspɛnsɪv/ (ik-SPEHNS-iv). In Australian English: /ɛkspˈɛnsɪv/ (ehksp-EHNS-iv).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ɪkˈspɛnsɪv/ (ik-SPEHNS-iv), while in British English it's /ɪkspˈɛnsɪv/ (iksp-EHNS-iv).

How to Pronounce "expensive"

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expensive

/ɪkˈspɛnsɪv/

ik-SPEHNS-iv

Syllable Breakdown

ɪkex·spɛnspen·ɪvsive

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14