How to pronounce directive
Say it like duh-REK-tiv. Directive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (REK).
- duh
- REK
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Directive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- REKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of directive
American and British speakers say directive in essentially the same way: /dəˈrɛktɪv/ in the US and /daɪˈrɛktɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: dy-REK-tiv.
What does directive mean?
- a pronouncement encouraging or banning some activity“the boss loves to send us directives”
- showing the way by conducting or leading; imposing direction on“felt his mother's directing arm around him”“the directional role of science on industrial progress”
Where does directive come from?
From Middle French directif.
Words that rhyme with directive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of directive.
- perspective
- objective
- collective
- detective
- respective
- protective
- selective
- prospective
- subjective
- ineffective
Questions about saying directive
How do you pronounce directive?
Say duh-REK-tiv. The American pronunciation is /dəˈrɛktɪv/. In British English it is /daɪˈrɛktɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in directive?
Directive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (REK). Broken into parts: duh · REK · tiv.
Do Americans and Brits say directive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dəˈrɛktɪv/ and the British form is /daɪˈrɛktɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.