How to pronounce inoperative
Say it like ih-NOP-uh-ruh-tiv. Inoperative has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NOP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce inoperative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ih
- NOP
- uh
- ruh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Inoperative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- NOPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep 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 inoperative
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: ih-NOP-uh-ruh-tiv.
What does inoperative mean?
- Not working or functioning; either idle or broken.
- No longer legally binding.
Where does inoperative come from?
From in- + operative.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with inoperative
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of inoperative.
Questions about saying inoperative
How do you pronounce inoperative?
Say ih-NOP-uh-ruh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ɪˈnɑpərətɪv/. In British English it is /ɪˈnɒpərətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in inoperative?
Inoperative has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NOP). Broken into parts: ih · NOP · uh · ruh · tiv.
Is inoperative pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ɪˈnɒpərətɪv/ (ih-NOP-uh-ruh-tiv).