To pronounce "abrasive", say ABR-as-iv-e — 4 syllables, IPA /əˈbɹeɪ.sɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.
abrasive
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4
Syllables
8
Letters
/əˈbɹeɪ.sɪv/
IPA
"abrasive" has 4 syllables: abr-as-iv-e. It rhymes with pervasive and persuasive, if that helps it stick.
noun
adjective
“An abrasive person can grate on one's sensibilities.”
Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.
Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.
"Abrasive" has 4 syllables: abr · as · iv · e.
The IPA transcription of "abrasive" is /əˈbɹeɪ.sɪv/.
Abrasive: A substance or material such as sandpaper, pumice, or emery, used for cleaning, smoothing, or polishing.
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