How to pronounce comparative
Say it like kum-PER-uh-tiv. Comparative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PER).
- kum
- PER
- uh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Comparative 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.
- PERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep 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.
American vs British pronunciation of comparative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: kum-PAR-uh-tiv.
What does comparative mean?
- Of or relating to comparison.“He gave us a comparative example to illustrate how the human mind works.”
- Using comparison as a method of study, or founded on something using it.“A comparative study between Homo Sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis.”
- Approximated by comparison; relative.“I've passed the test with comparative ease.”
- The degree of comparison of an adjective or adverb used when comparing two entities in terms of a certain property or a certain way of doing something. In English, the comparative of superiority is formed by adding the suffix -er or the word more (e.g. bigger, more fully); the comparative of equalit
- An adjective or adverb in the comparative degree.
- Data used to make a comparison.
Where does comparative come from?
From Middle English comparatif, from Middle French comparatif, from Latin comparātīvus, equivalent to comparātus, from comparāre (“to compare”) + -ive, from Latin -īvus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- relative
- comparative degree
Words that rhyme with comparative
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of comparative.
Questions about saying comparative
How do you pronounce comparative?
Say kum-PER-uh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /kəmˈpɛrətɪv/. In British English it is /kəmˈpærətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in comparative?
Comparative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PER). Broken into parts: kum · PER · uh · tiv.
Is comparative 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 /kəmˈpærətɪv/ (kum-PAR-uh-tiv).