English pronunciation · Words Starting with I
Initiative Pronunciation
Initiative is pronounced i-NI-shuh-tiv, IPA /ˌɪˈnɪʃətɪv/.
i-NI-shuh-tiv
US /ˌɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ · UK /ɪˈnɪʃiəˌtɪv/
Syllables: i · NI · shuh · tiv (4 syllables, stress on syllable 2)
noun: The ability to act and decide on your own, or the right to make the first move.
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Initiative in a Sentence
- She took the initiative and rang them herself.
- Hiring on your own initiative is not allowed here.
- The peace initiative collapsed within a month.
Common Mispronunciations of Initiative
Not i-NY-shuh-tiv
Both i letters at the front are short and quick, so nothing in this word sounds like nice.
Not IN-i-shuh-tiv
Everything is quiet before NI and quiet again after it. That second group alone is loud.
Tip: British speakers often sound a faint ee in the middle, i-NI-shee-uh-tiv, while Americans fold it away. Both are standard.
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