How to pronounce authoritatively
Say it like aw-THOR-uh-tay-tiv-lee. Authoritatively has six 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 authoritatively. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- aw
- THOR
- uh
- tay
- tiv
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Authoritatively pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- awKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- 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.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of authoritatively
- 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-lee.
What does authoritatively mean?
- In an authoritative manner; with authority.
Where does authoritatively come from?
From Middle English auctoritatively, auctoritativeli; compare Medieval Latin auctoritātīve; equivalent to authoritative + -ly.
Questions about saying authoritatively
How do you pronounce authoritatively?
Say aw-THOR-uh-tay-tiv-lee. The American pronunciation is /ɔˈθɔrəˌteɪtɪvli/. In British English it is /ɔːˈθɒrɪtətɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in authoritatively?
Authoritatively has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THOR). Broken into parts: aw · THOR · uh · tay · tiv · lee.
Is authoritatively 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 /ɔːˈθɒrɪtətɪvli/ (aw-THOR-ih-tuh-tiv-lee).