How to pronounce alterative
Say it like AWL-ter-eye-tiv. Alterative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AWL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce alterative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AWL
- ter
- eye
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alterative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AWLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- eyeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of alterative
- American English uses 4 syllables and British English 3.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: OL-truh-tiv.
What does alterative mean?
- Causing alteration.
- Gradually changing, or tending to change, a morbid state into a healthy one.
Where does alterative come from?
From Latin alterativum, noun use of alterativus.
Questions about saying alterative
How do you pronounce alterative?
Say AWL-ter-eye-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈɔltɚˌaɪtɪv/. In British English it is /ˈɒltrətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alterative?
Alterative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AWL). Broken into parts: AWL · ter · eye · tiv.
Is alterative pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 4 syllables and British English 3. The British form is /ˈɒltrətɪv/ (OL-truh-tiv).