How to pronounce qualitative
Say it like KWAH-luh-tay-tiv. Qualitative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KWAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce qualitative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KWAH
- luh
- tay
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Qualitative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KWAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- luhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of qualitative
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KWOL-ih-tuh-tiv.
What does qualitative mean?
- Of descriptions or distinctions based on some quality rather than on some quantity.
- Of a form of analysis that yields the identity of a compound.
- high-quality
- Something qualitative.
Where does qualitative come from?
From Late Latin (or Medieval Latin) quālitātīvus.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying qualitative
How do you pronounce qualitative?
Say KWAH-luh-tay-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈkwɑləˌteɪtɪv/. In British English it is /ˈkwɒlɪtətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in qualitative?
Qualitative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KWAH). Broken into parts: KWAH · luh · tay · tiv.
Is qualitative 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 /ˈkwɒlɪtətɪv/ (KWOL-ih-tuh-tiv).