How to pronounce preventative
Say it like pree-VEN-tuh-tiv. Preventative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce preventative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pree
- VEN
- tuh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Preventative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- preeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- VENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tuhKeep 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 preventative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: pree-VEN-tuh-tiv.
What does preventative mean?
- Alternative form of preventive.
- Alternative form of preventive.
Where does preventative come from?
From prevent + -ative.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with preventative
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of preventative.
Questions about saying preventative
How do you pronounce preventative?
Say pree-VEN-tuh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /priˈvɛntətɪv/. In British English it is /priˈvɛntətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in preventative?
Preventative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VEN). Broken into parts: pree · VEN · tuh · tiv.
Is preventative 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 /priˈvɛntətɪv/ (pree-VEN-tuh-tiv).