How to pronounce putative
Say it like PYOO-tuh-tiv. Putative has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PYOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce putative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PYOO
- tuh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Putative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PYOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- 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 putative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: PYOO-tuh-tiv.
What does putative mean?
- Commonly believed or deemed to be the case; generally assumed.
- Accepted by supposition rather than as a result of proof.
- Alleged, purported, ostensible, professed.
Where does putative come from?
First attested c. 1432, from Middle French putatif, from Latin putātīvus (“supposed, purported”), from putātus (“thought”), from putō (“to think, to consider, to reckon”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying putative
How do you pronounce putative?
Say PYOO-tuh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈpjutətɪv/. In British English it is /ˈpjuːtətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in putative?
Putative has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PYOO). Broken into parts: PYOO · tuh · tiv.
Is putative 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 /ˈpjuːtətɪv/ (PYOO-tuh-tiv).