How to pronounce imperative
Say it like im-PER-uh-tiv. Imperative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce imperative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- PER
- uh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Imperative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- imGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- PERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep 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 imperative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: im-PER-uh-tiv.
What does imperative mean?
- requiring attention or action“as nuclear weapons proliferate, preventing war becomes imperative”“requests that grew more and more imperative”
- relating to verbs in the imperative mood
- a mood that expresses an intention to influence the listener's behavior
- some duty that is essential and urgent
Where does imperative come from?
Borrowed from Latin imperātīvus.
Words that rhyme with imperative
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of imperative.
Questions about saying imperative
How do you pronounce imperative?
Say im-PER-uh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪmˈpɛrətɪv/. In British English it is /ɪmˈpɛrətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in imperative?
Imperative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PER). Broken into parts: im · PER · uh · tiv.
Is imperative 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 /ɪmˈpɛrətɪv/ (im-PER-uh-tiv).