How do you pronounce "primitive"?

In American English: /ˈprɪmətɪv/ (PRIM-uht-iv). In British English: /pɹˈɪmɪtɪv/ (PR-im-it). In Canadian English: /ˈprɪmətɪv/ (PRIM-uht-iv). In Australian English: /pɹˈɪmɪtˌɪv/ (PR-im-it).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈprɪmətɪv/ (PRIM-uht-iv), while in British English it's /pɹˈɪmɪtɪv/ (PR-im-it).

How to Pronounce "primitive"

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primitive

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/ˈprɪmətɪv/

PRIM-uht-iv

Syllable Breakdown

prɪmprim·əti·ɪvtive

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14