How to pronounce alternatively
Say it like awl-TUR-nuh-tiv-lee. Alternatively has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce alternatively. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- awl
- TUR
- nuh
- tiv
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alternatively pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- awlKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- TURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- nuhKeep 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.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of alternatively
- 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: awl-TUR-nuh-tiv-lee.
What does alternatively mean?
- in place of, or as an alternative to“Felix became a herpetologist instead”“alternatively we could buy a used car”
Where does alternatively come from?
From alternative + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying alternatively
How do you pronounce alternatively?
Say awl-TUR-nuh-tiv-lee. The American pronunciation is /ɔlˈtɝnətɪvli/. In British English it is /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alternatively?
Alternatively has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR). Broken into parts: awl · TUR · nuh · tiv · lee.
Is alternatively 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 /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪvli/ (awl-TUR-nuh-tiv-lee).