How to pronounce decorative
Say it like DEK-ruh-tiv. Decorative has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce decorative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DEK
- ruh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Decorative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ruhKeep 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 decorative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: DEK-ruh-tiv.
What does decorative mean?
- serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose“cosmetic fenders on cars”“the buildings were utilitarian rather than decorative”
Where does decorative come from?
From Latin decorātus + -ive.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying decorative
How do you pronounce decorative?
Say DEK-ruh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛkrətɪv/. In British English it is /ˈdɛkrətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in decorative?
Decorative has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEK). Broken into parts: DEK · ruh · tiv.
Is decorative 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 /ˈdɛkrətɪv/ (DEK-ruh-tiv).