How to pronounce illustrative
Say it like il-UHS-truh-tiv. Illustrative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (UHS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce illustrative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- il
- UHS
- truh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Illustrative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ilGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- UHSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- truhKeep 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 illustrative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: ih-LUHS-truh-tiv.
What does illustrative mean?
- Demonstrative, exemplative, showing an example or demonstrating.“This latest incident is illustrative of his continued bad behavior.”
Where does illustrative come from?
From illustrate + -ive.
Questions about saying illustrative
How do you pronounce illustrative?
Say il-UHS-truh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪˈlʌstrətɪv/. In British English it is /ɪˈlʌstrətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in illustrative?
Illustrative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (UHS). Broken into parts: il · UHS · truh · tiv.
Is illustrative 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 /ɪˈlʌstrətɪv/ (ih-LUHS-truh-tiv).