How to Pronounce Abusive

To pronounce "abusive", say AB-us-iv-e — 4 syllables, IPA /əˈbjuː.sɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

abusive

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/əˈbjuː.sɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “abusive”

"abusive" has 4 syllables: ab-us-iv-e. It rhymes with elusive and obtrusive, if that helps it stick.

What does abusive mean?

adjective

Prone to treat someone badly by coarse, insulting words or other maltreatment; vituperative; reproachful; scurrilous.
“All they could ever do was to shout abusive inanities at me and my colleagues.”
Tending to deceive; fraudulent.

Synonyms

berating injurious insolent insulting offensive opprobrious reproachful reviling

Hear “abusive” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with abusive

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

elusive obtrusive exclusive intrusive unobtrusive conclusive conducive allusive reclusive illusive inclusive collusive

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "abusive"?▾

"Abusive" has 4 syllables: ab · us · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "abusive"?▾

The IPA transcription of "abusive" is /əˈbjuː.sɪv/.

What does "abusive" mean?▾

Abusive: Prone to treat someone badly by coarse, insulting words or other maltreatment; vituperative; reproachful; scurrilous.

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