English pronunciation · Words Starting with A
Authoritative Pronunciation
Authoritative is pronounced uh-THAW-ruh-tay-tiv, IPA /əˈθɔrəˌteɪtɪv/.
uh-THAW-ruh-tay-tiv
US /əˈθɔrəˌteɪtɪv/ · UK /ɔːˈθɒrɪtəˌtɪv/
Syllables: uh · THAW · ruh · tay · tiv (5 syllables, stress on syllable 2)
adjective: Trustworthy because it comes from real knowledge, or speaking with command.
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Authoritative in a Sentence
- Hers is the authoritative edition of the letters.
- He gave an authoritative account of the meeting.
- The report is authoritative but very dry.
Common Mispronunciations of Authoritative
Not uh-thaw-ri-TAY-tiv
Authority settles the beat on its second syllable and the adjective leaves it there, long as the word gets.
Not AW-thuh-ri-tay-tiv
Nothing lands on the opening syllable: it is a weak uh, exactly as it is in authority.
Tip: British speakers usually reduce the fourth beat, aw-THO-ri-tuh-tiv, where Americans give it a full tay.
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