How to Pronounce Pensive

To pronounce "pensive", say PENS-iv-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈpɛn.sɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

pensive

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Accent

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3

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈpɛn.sɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “pensive”

"pensive" has 3 syllables: pens-iv-e. It rhymes with apprehensive and comprehensive, if that helps it stick.

What does pensive mean?

adjective

  1. Having the appearance of deep, often melancholic, thinking.
  2. Looking thoughtful, especially from sadness.

Hear “pensive” 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 pensive

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

apprehensivecomprehensiveextensiveoffensiveintensivedefensiveinoffensiveexpensiveinexpensivetensivecounteroffensivehypertensive

Related words

musingponderingruminativemeditativecontemplativethoughtfulwistfulsad

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "pensive"?▾

"Pensive" has 3 syllables: pens · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "pensive"?▾

The IPA transcription of "pensive" is /ˈpɛn.sɪv/.

What does "pensive" mean?▾

Pensive: Having the appearance of deep, often melancholic, thinking.

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