How to pronounce ablative
Say it like AB-luh-tiv. Ablative has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AB).
- AB
- luh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ablative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ABSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- luhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of ablative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: AB-luh-tiv.
What does ablative mean?
- Applied to one of the cases of the noun in some languages, the fundamental meaning of the case being removal, separation, or taking away, and to a lesser degree, instrument, place, accordance, specifications, price, or measurement.
- Sacrificial, wearing away or being destroyed in order to protect the underlying material, as in ablative paints used for antifouling, or ablative heat shields used to protect spacecraft during reentry. .
- Relating to the removal of a body part, tumor, or organ.
- The ablative case.
- An ablative material.
Where does ablative come from?
From Middle English ablative, ablatife, ablatyf, ablatif, from Old French ablatif (“the ablative case”), from Latin ablātīvus (“expressing removal”), from ablātus (“taken away”), from auferō (“to take away”).
Questions about saying ablative
How do you pronounce ablative?
Say AB-luh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈæblətɪv/. In British English it is /ˈæblətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ablative?
Ablative has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AB). Broken into parts: AB · luh · tiv.
Is ablative pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈæblətɪv/ (AB-luh-tiv).