How to pronounce combative
Say it like kum-BAT-iv. Combative has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce combative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kum
- BAT
- iv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Combative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of combative
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KOM-buh-tiv.
What does combative mean?
- Given to fighting; disposed to engage in combat; pugnacious.“Their combative conduct leads to many problems.”
Where does combative come from?
From combat + -ive.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying combative
How do you pronounce combative?
Say kum-BAT-iv. The American pronunciation is /kəmˈbætɪv/. In British English it is /ˈkɒmbətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in combative?
Combative has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BAT). Broken into parts: kum · BAT · iv.
Is combative pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1. The British form is /ˈkɒmbətɪv/ (KOM-buh-tiv).