How do you pronounce "protective"?

In American English: /prəˈtɛktɪv/ (pruh-TEHKT-iv). In British English: /pɹətˈɛktɪv/ (pruht-EHKT-iv). In Canadian English: /prəˈtɛktɪv/ (pruh-TEHKT-iv). In Australian English: /pɹətˈɛktɪv/ (pruht-EHKT-iv).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /prəˈtɛktɪv/ (pruh-TEHKT-iv), while in British English it's /pɹətˈɛktɪv/ (pruht-EHKT-iv).

How to Pronounce "protective"

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protective

regional

/prəˈtɛktɪv/

pruh-TEHKT-iv

Syllable Breakdown

prəpro·tɛkttec·ɪvtive

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14