To pronounce "pretentious", say PRET-ent-ious — 3 syllables, IPA /pɹɪˈtɛnʃəs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.
pretentious
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3
Syllables
11
Letters
/pɹɪˈtɛnʃəs/
IPA
"pretentious" has 3 syllables: pret-ent-ious. It rhymes with conscientious and contentious, if that helps it stick.
adjective
“Her dress was obviously more pretentious than comfortable.”
“Their song titles are pretentious in the context of their basic lyrics.”
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.
"Pretentious" has 3 syllables: pret · ent · ious.
The IPA transcription of "pretentious" is /pɹɪˈtɛnʃəs/.
Pretentious: Intended to impress others; ostentatious.
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