How to pronounce operational
Say it like ah-puh-RAY-shuh-nul. Operational has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RAY).
- ah
- puh
- RAY
- shuh
- nul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Operational pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ahGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of operational
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: op-uh-RAY-shuh-nul.
What does operational mean?
- Of or relating to operations, especially military operations.
- Functioning and ready for use.
- Effective or operative.
Where does operational come from?
From operation + -al.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- functional
- usable
- useable
- operable
- in operation
- operating
Opposite meaning
- nonoperational
Words that rhyme with operational
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of operational.
- educational
- recreational
- organizational
- inspirational
- occupational
- vocational
- computational
- sensational
- gravitational
- motivational
Questions about saying operational
How do you pronounce operational?
Say ah-puh-RAY-shuh-nul. The American pronunciation is /ˌɑpəˈreɪʃənəl/. In British English it is /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in operational?
Operational has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RAY). Broken into parts: ah · puh · RAY · shuh · nul.
Is operational 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 /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənəl/ (op-uh-RAY-shuh-nul).