How to pronounce figurative
Say it like FIG-yuh-ruh-tiv. Figurative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIG).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce figurative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FIG
- yuh
- ruh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Figurative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FIGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- yuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- 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 figurative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: FIG-yuh-ruh-tiv.
What does figurative mean?
- Of use as a metaphor, simile, metonym or other figure of speech, as opposed to literal; using figures.
- Metaphorically so called.
- With many figures of speech.
Where does figurative come from?
From Middle French figuratif.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying figurative
How do you pronounce figurative?
Say FIG-yuh-ruh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɪɡjərətɪv/. In British English it is /ˈfɪɡjərətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in figurative?
Figurative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIG). Broken into parts: FIG · yuh · ruh · tiv.
Is figurative 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 /ˈfɪɡjərətɪv/ (FIG-yuh-ruh-tiv).