How to pronounce imitative
Say it like IM-uh-tay-tiv. Imitative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce imitative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- IM
- uh
- tay
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Imitative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- IMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of imitative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: IM-uh-tay-tiv.
What does imitative mean?
- Imitating; copying; not original.
- Modelled after another thing.
- sound-symbolic or onomatopoeic
Where does imitative come from?
From Latin imitātīvus.
Questions about saying imitative
How do you pronounce imitative?
Say IM-uh-tay-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪməˌteɪtɪv/. In British English it is /ˈɪməˌteɪtɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in imitative?
Imitative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IM). Broken into parts: IM · uh · tay · tiv.
Is imitative 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 /ˈɪməˌteɪtɪv/ (IM-uh-tay-tiv).