To pronounce "festive", say FEST-iv-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈfɛstɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.
festive
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Accent
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3
Syllables
7
Letters
/ˈfɛstɪv/
IPA
"festive" has 3 syllables: fest-iv-e. It rhymes with restive and suggestive, if that helps it stick.
adjective
“The room was decked out in festive streamers, with flowers everywhere.”
“Please put the Christmas decorations away, I'm really not in a festive mood.”
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.
"Festive" has 3 syllables: fest · iv · e.
The IPA transcription of "festive" is /ˈfɛstɪv/.
Festive: Having the atmosphere, decoration, or attitude of a festival, holiday, or celebration.
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