How to pronounce contemplative
Say it like kun-TEM-pluh-tiv. Contemplative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contemplative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- TEM
- pluh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contemplative 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.
- TEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- pluhKeep 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 contemplative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: kun-TEM-pluh-tiv.
What does contemplative mean?
- Inclined to contemplate; introspective and thoughtful; meditative.
- Pertaining to a religious contemplative, or a contemplative religious orders, especially the Roman Catholic varieties.
- Relating to, or having the power of, contemplation.“contemplative faculties”
- Someone who has dedicated themselves to religious or philosophical contemplation.
Where does contemplative come from?
From Middle English contemplatyve, contemplatyf, from Old French contemplatif, from Latin contemplātīvus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying contemplative
How do you pronounce contemplative?
Say kun-TEM-pluh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /kənˈtɛmplətɪv/. In British English it is /kənˈtɛmplətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contemplative?
Contemplative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEM). Broken into parts: kun · TEM · pluh · tiv.
Is contemplative 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 /kənˈtɛmplətɪv/ (kun-TEM-pluh-tiv).