How to pronounce cumulative
Say it like KYOO-myuh-luh-tiv. Cumulative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KYOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cumulative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KYOO
- myuh
- luh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cumulative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KYOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- myuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- luhKeep 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 cumulative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KYOO-myuu-luh-tiv.
What does cumulative mean?
- increasing by successive addition“the benefits are cumulative”“the eventual accumulative effect of these substances”
Where does cumulative come from?
From cumulate + -ive.
Questions about saying cumulative
How do you pronounce cumulative?
Say KYOO-myuh-luh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈkjumjələtɪv/. In British English it is /ˈkjuːmjʊlətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cumulative?
Cumulative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KYOO). Broken into parts: KYOO · myuh · luh · tiv.
Is cumulative 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 /ˈkjuːmjʊlətɪv/ (KYOO-myuu-luh-tiv).