How to pronounce vocative
Say it like VOK-uh-tiv. Vocative has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VOK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vocative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VOK
- uh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vocative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VOKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- 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 vocative
- 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: VOK-uh-tiv.
What does vocative mean?
- Of or pertaining to calling; used in calling or vocation.
- Used in address; appellative; said of the case or form of the noun, pronoun, or adjective by which a person or thing is addressed.
- The vocative case
- A word in the vocative case
- A vocative expression
Words that rhyme with vocative
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of vocative.
Questions about saying vocative
How do you pronounce vocative?
Say VOK-uh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɑkətɪv/. In British English it is /ˈvɒkətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vocative?
Vocative has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VOK). Broken into parts: VOK · uh · tiv.
Is vocative 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 /ˈvɒkətɪv/ (VOK-uh-tiv).