How to Pronounce Detective

To pronounce "detective", say DET-ect-iv-e — 4 syllables, IPA /dɪˈtɛktɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

detective

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/dɪˈtɛktɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “detective”

"detective" has 4 syllables: det-ect-iv-e. It rhymes with objective and perspective, if that helps it stick.

What does detective mean?

noun

(law enforcement) A police officer who looks for evidence as part of solving a crime; an investigator.
A person employed to find information not otherwise available to the public.

adjective

Employed in detecting.

Synonyms

DT Det dick private dick private detective private investigator sleuth

Words that rhyme with detective

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

objective perspective collective prospective reflective effective introspective defective invective subjective ineffective retrospective

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "detective"?▾

"Detective" has 4 syllables: det · ect · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "detective"?▾

The IPA transcription of "detective" is /dɪˈtɛktɪv/.

What does "detective" mean?▾

Detective: (law enforcement) A police officer who looks for evidence as part of solving a crime; an investigator.

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