How to pronounce sedative
Say it like SED-uh-tiv. Sedative has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SED).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sedative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SED
- uh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sedative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SEDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep 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 sedative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: SED-uh-tiv.
What does sedative mean?
- An agent or drug that sedates, having a calming or soothing effect, or inducing sleep.
- Calming, soothing, inducing sleep, tranquilizing
Where does sedative come from?
Inherited from Middle English sedatif, from Anglo-Norman sedatif, from Medieval Latin sēdātīvus, which itself likely influenced the modern spelling.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying sedative
How do you pronounce sedative?
Say SED-uh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛdətɪv/. In British English it is /ˈsɛdətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sedative?
Sedative has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SED). Broken into parts: SED · uh · tiv.
Is sedative 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 /ˈsɛdətɪv/ (SED-uh-tiv).