English pronunciation · Words Starting with N
Naive Pronunciation
Naive is pronounced ny-EEV, IPA /ˌnaɪˈiv/.
ny-EEV
US /ˌnaɪˈiv/ · UK /naɪˈiːv/
Syllables: ny · EEV (2 syllables, stress on syllable 2)
adjective: Lacking experience or judgement, and so too ready to believe things.
Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.
Naive in a Sentence
- It was naive of me to expect a refund.
- She asked a deliberately naive question to see what he would say.
- The plan is bold but not naive.
Common Mispronunciations of Naive
Not NAYV
Two syllables hide in this word. The a and the i belong to separate beats, which is why the French spelling puts a diaeresis over the i.
Not ny-EEVE
Close on a clean v. The final e is silent and adds nothing after it.
Tip: Some speakers open with nah and some with ny. The second syllable, EEV, is loud in both.
More words starting with n · Every word in the pronunciation guide