How to pronounce prescriptive
Say it like pruh-SKRIP-tiv. Prescriptive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SKRIP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce prescriptive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pruh
- SKRIP
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Prescriptive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SKRIPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of prescriptive
American and British speakers say prescriptive in essentially the same way: /prəˈskrɪptɪv/ in the US and /prəˈskrɪptɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: pruh-SKRIP-tiv.
What does prescriptive mean?
- Of or pertaining to prescribing or enjoining, especially an action or behavior based on a norm or standard.
Where does prescriptive come from?
From Latin praescriptivus (“relating to a legal exception”), from praescript- (“directed in writing”), from the verb praescribere.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with prescriptive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of prescriptive.
Questions about saying prescriptive
How do you pronounce prescriptive?
Say pruh-SKRIP-tiv. The American pronunciation is /prəˈskrɪptɪv/. In British English it is /prəˈskrɪptɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in prescriptive?
Prescriptive has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SKRIP). Broken into parts: pruh · SKRIP · tiv.
Do Americans and Brits say prescriptive the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /prəˈskrɪptɪv/ and the British form is /prəˈskrɪptɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.