English pronunciation · Words Starting with A
Alternative Pronunciation
Alternative is pronounced awl-TUR-nuh-tiv, IPA /ɔlˈtɝnətɪv/.
awl-TUR-nuh-tiv
US /ɔlˈtɝnətɪv/ · UK /ɔːlˈtɜːnəˌtɪv/
Syllables: awl · TUR · nuh · tiv (4 syllables, stress on syllable 2)
noun and adjective: Another option that can be chosen instead of the usual one.
Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.
Alternative in a Sentence
- There is no realistic alternative at this price.
- We took the alternative route through the hills.
- She suggested an alternative to cutting staff.
Common Mispronunciations of Alternative
Not AWL-ter-nuh-tiv
Hit TUR, the second of four syllables, and let the awl in front of it stay short.
Not awl-ter-NAY-tiv
The last two syllables reduce almost to nothing, so the ending is a quick nuh-tiv rather than a full nay.
More words starting with a · Every word in the pronunciation guide