How to pronounce obviative
Say it like AHB-vee-uh-tiv. Obviative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce obviative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AHB
- vee
- uh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Obviative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AHBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- veeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- 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 obviative
- 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: OB-vee-uh-tiv.
What does obviative mean?
- A grammatical marker that distinguishes a relatively non-salient referent in a given context from a relatively salient (proximate) one.
- Relating to such a referent or grammatical marker.
Where does obviative come from?
From French obviatif.
Questions about saying obviative
How do you pronounce obviative?
Say AHB-vee-uh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑbviətɪv/. In British English it is /ˈɒbviətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in obviative?
Obviative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHB). Broken into parts: AHB · vee · uh · tiv.
Is obviative 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 /ˈɒbviətɪv/ (OB-vee-uh-tiv).