How do you pronounce "possessive"?

In American English: /pəˈzɛsɪv/ (puh-ZEHS-iv). In British English: /pəzˈɛsɪv/ (puhz-EHS-iv). In Canadian English: /pəˈzɛsɪv/ (puh-ZEHS-iv). In Australian English: /pəzˈɛsɪv/ (puhz-EHS-iv).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /pəˈzɛsɪv/ (puh-ZEHS-iv), while in British English it's /pəzˈɛsɪv/ (puhz-EHS-iv).

How to Pronounce "possessive"

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possessive

disputed

/pəˈzɛsɪv/

puh-ZEHS-iv

Syllable Breakdown

pəpos·zɛsses·ɪvsive

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14