How to pronounce authoritative
Say it like uh-THOR-uh-tay-tiv. Authoritative has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce authoritative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- THOR
- uh
- tay
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Authoritative 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.
- THORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of authoritative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: aw-THOR-ih-tuh-tiv.
What does authoritative mean?
- Arising or originating from a figure of authority.“The authoritative rules in this school come not from the headmaster but from the aged matron.”
- Highly accurate or definitive; treated or worthy of treatment as a scholarly authority.“This book is the world's most authoritative guide to insect breeding habits.”
- Having a commanding style.“He instructed us in that booming, authoritative voice of his.”
Where does authoritative come from?
From authorit(y) + -ative.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying authoritative
How do you pronounce authoritative?
Say uh-THOR-uh-tay-tiv. The American pronunciation is /əˈθɔrəˌteɪtɪv/. In British English it is /ɔːˈθɒrɪtətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in authoritative?
Authoritative has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THOR). Broken into parts: uh · THOR · uh · tay · tiv.
Is authoritative 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 /ɔːˈθɒrɪtətɪv/ (aw-THOR-ih-tuh-tiv).