How to pronounce abortive
Say it like uh-BOR-tiv. Abortive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce abortive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- BOR
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abortive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of abortive
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uh-BAW-tiv.
What does abortive mean?
- Coming to nothing; failing in its effect. .“an abortive attempt”
- Imperfectly formed or developed; rudimentary; sterile.“an abortive organ”
- Causing abortion; abortifacient.
Where does abortive come from?
First attested in 1382, with the meaning "causing stillbirth or miscarriage".
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with abortive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of abortive.
Questions about saying abortive
How do you pronounce abortive?
Say uh-BOR-tiv. The American pronunciation is /əˈbɔrtɪv/. In British English it is /əˈbɔːtɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abortive?
Abortive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BOR). Broken into parts: uh · BOR · tiv.
Is abortive pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /əˈbɔːtɪv/ (uh-BAW-tiv).