How do you pronounce "pensive"?

In American English: /ˈpɛnsɪv/ (PEHNS-iv). In British English: /pˈɛnsɪv/ (P-ehns). In Canadian English: /ˈpɛnsɪv/ (PEHNS-iv). In Australian English: /pˈɛnsɪv/ (P-ehns).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈpɛnsɪv/ (PEHNS-iv), while in British English it's /pˈɛnsɪv/ (P-ehns).

How to Pronounce "pensive"

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pensive

disputed

/ˈpɛnsɪv/

PEHNS-iv

Syllable Breakdown

pɛnspen·ɪvsive

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14