How to pronounce demonstrative
Say it like dih-MAHN-struh-tiv. Demonstrative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MAHN).
- dih
- MAHN
- struh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Demonstrative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- MAHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- struhKeep 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 demonstrative
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: dih-MON-struh-tiv.
What does demonstrative mean?
- That serves to demonstrate, show or prove.“demonstrative evidence”
- Given to open displays of emotion.
- That specifies the thing or person referred to.
- A demonstrative adjective.
- A demonstrative pronoun.
Where does demonstrative come from?
From Middle English demonstratif, from Middle French démonstratif, from Latin dēmōnstrātīvus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- demonstrative pronoun
- illustrative
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying demonstrative
How do you pronounce demonstrative?
Say dih-MAHN-struh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈmɑnstrətɪv/. In British English it is /dɪˈmɒnstrətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in demonstrative?
Demonstrative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MAHN). Broken into parts: dih · MAHN · struh · tiv.
Is demonstrative pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /dɪˈmɒnstrətɪv/ (dih-MON-struh-tiv).