How do you pronounce "offensive"?

In American English: /əˈfɛnsɪv/ (uh-FEHNS-iv). In British English: /əfˈɛnsɪv/ (uhf-EHNS-iv). In Canadian English: /əˈfɛnsɪv/ (uh-FEHNS-iv). In Australian English: /əfˈɛnsɪv/ (uhf-EHNS-iv).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /əˈfɛnsɪv/ (uh-FEHNS-iv), while in British English it's /əfˈɛnsɪv/ (uhf-EHNS-iv).

How to Pronounce "offensive"

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offensive

/əˈfɛnsɪv/

uh-FEHNS-iv

Syllable Breakdown

əof·fɛnsfen·ɪvsive

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14