How to pronounce suffocative
Say it like SUHF-uh-kuh-tiv. Suffocative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce suffocative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUHF
- uh
- kuh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Suffocative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SUHFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- kuhKeep 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 suffocative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: SUHF-uh-kuh-tiv.
What does suffocative mean?
- Tending or able to choke or stifle.
Where does suffocative come from?
From suffocate + -ive.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying suffocative
How do you pronounce suffocative?
Say SUHF-uh-kuh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈsʌfəkətɪv/. In British English it is /ˈsʌfəkətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in suffocative?
Suffocative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHF). Broken into parts: SUHF · uh · kuh · tiv.
Is suffocative 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 /ˈsʌfəkətɪv/ (SUHF-uh-kuh-tiv).