Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

've

/v/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.56 in modern English

Syllables: 've
IPA: /v/

5

Scrabble Score

2

Letters

1

Syllables

2

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

Have (in its sense marking the perfect or retrospective aspect).

verb

Have (in its other uses).

Example Sentences

"Santorum, in a comment regarding Senator John McCain's repudiation of torture, stated, "He doesn't understand how enhanced interrogation works. I mean, you break somebody, and after they've broken they become cooperative" (Summers 2011)."
"Do n’t tell me you ‘have n’t got time,’ / That other things claim your attention; / There ’s not the least reason or rhyme / In the wisest excuse you can mention: / Do n’t tell me about ‘other fish,’ / Your duty is done when you buy ’em; / And you never will relish the dish, / Unless you ’ve a woman to ‘fry ’em.’"
""...Where's the ladies' in this joint? I've to powder me nose.""

Etymology

Contraction of have.

Inflected Forms

-a (alternative) of (alternative)

Frequently Paired Words

'd/’d 'll ’ll 'm/’m 're ’re 's/’s

Homonyms

of (postconsonantal 've only, unstressed of only) v

Questions

How do you pronounce 've?: The recorded pronunciation is /v/.
What does 've mean?: Have (in its sense marking the perfect or retrospective aspect).
Where does 've come from?: Contraction of have.

How to pronounce 've

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “'ve”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/v/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “'ve”.
Repeat and practice — Say “'ve” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.