English pronunciation · Words Starting with C
Contemplative Pronunciation
Contemplative is pronounced kuhn-TEM-pluh-tiv, IPA /kənˈtɛmplətɪv/.
kuhn-TEM-pluh-tiv
US /kənˈtɛmplətɪv/ · UK /kənˈtɛmpləˌtɪv/
Syllables: kuhn · TEM · pluh · tiv (4 syllables, stress on syllable 2)
adjective: Quiet and thoughtful, given to long periods of reflection.
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Contemplative in a Sentence
- He was in a contemplative mood all evening.
- The order follows a contemplative rule of silence.
- She painted slow, contemplative landscapes.
Common Mispronunciations of Contemplative
Not KAHN-tuhm-play-tiv
Contemplate leads at the front, but the adjective drags the weight onto TEM.
Not kuhn-TEM-play-tiv
Once the stress moves, the third beat reduces to pluh and loses the ay of plate.
Tip: Dictionaries list KAHN-tuhm-play-tiv as well, though kuhn-TEM-pluh-tiv is commoner now.
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