How to pronounce pivotal
Say it like PIV-uh-tul. Pivotal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pivotal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PIV
- uh
- tul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pivotal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PIVSay 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.
- tulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of pivotal
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: PIV-ih-tul.
What does pivotal mean?
- being of crucial importance“a pivotal event”“Its pivotal location has also exposed it to periodic invasions”
Where does pivotal come from?
From pivot + -al.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying pivotal
How do you pronounce pivotal?
Say PIV-uh-tul. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɪvətəl/. In British English it is /ˈpɪvɪtəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pivotal?
Pivotal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PIV). Broken into parts: PIV · uh · tul.
Is pivotal 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 /ˈpɪvɪtəl/ (PIV-ih-tul).