How do you pronounce "selective"?

In American English: /səˈlɛktɪv/ (suh-LEHKT-iv). In British English: /sɪlˈɛktɪv/ (sil-EHKT-iv). In Canadian English: /səˈlɛktɪv/ (suh-LEHKT-iv). In Australian English: /sɪlˈɛktɪv/ (sil-EHKT-iv).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /səˈlɛktɪv/ (suh-LEHKT-iv), while in British English it's /sɪlˈɛktɪv/ (sil-EHKT-iv).

How to Pronounce "selective"

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selective

regional

/səˈlɛktɪv/

suh-LEHKT-iv

Syllable Breakdown

səse·lɛktlec·ɪvtive

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14