How do you pronounce "pretentious"?

In American English: /priːˈtɛnʃəs/ (pree-TEHNSH-uhs). In British English: /pɹɪtˈɛnʃəs/ (prit-EHNSH-uhs). In Canadian English: /priːˈtɛnʃəs/ (pree-TEHNSH-uhs). In Australian English: /pɹɪtˈɛnʃəs/ (prit-EHNSH-uhs).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /priːˈtɛnʃəs/ (pree-TEHNSH-uhs), while in British English it's /pɹɪtˈɛnʃəs/ (prit-EHNSH-uhs).

How to Pronounce "pretentious"

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pretentious

regional

/priːˈtɛnʃəs/

pree-TEHNSH-uhs

Syllable Breakdown

priːpre·tɛnʃten·əstious

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14