How to pronounce conservative
Say it like kun-SUR-vuh-tiv. Conservative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce conservative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- SUR
- vuh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Conservative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- vuhKeep 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 conservative
- 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: kun-SUR-vuh-tiv.
What does conservative mean?
- resistant to change, particularly in relation to politics or religion
- having social or political views favoring conservatism
- avoiding excess“a conservative estimate”
- a person who is reluctant to accept changes and new ideas
- a member of a Conservative Party
Where does conservative come from?
Borrowed from Middle French conservatif, from Latin cōnservō (“to preserve”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with conservative
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of conservative.
Questions about saying conservative
How do you pronounce conservative?
Say kun-SUR-vuh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /kənˈsɝvətɪv/. In British English it is /kənˈsɜːvətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in conservative?
Conservative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR). Broken into parts: kun · SUR · vuh · tiv.
Is conservative 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 /kənˈsɜːvətɪv/ (kun-SUR-vuh-tiv).