English pronunciation · Words Starting with P
Punitive Pronunciation
Punitive is pronounced PYOO-nuh-tiv, IPA /ˈpjunətɪv/.
PYOO-nuh-tiv
US /ˈpjunətɪv/ · UK /ˈpjuːnɪˌtɪv/
Syllables: PYOO · nuh · tiv (3 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
adjective: Intended as punishment.
Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.
Punitive in a Sentence
- The fine was punitive rather than practical.
- Punitive tariffs went on that same week.
- They took punitive action against both firms.
Common Mispronunciations of Punitive
Not PUH-nuh-tiv
Punish keeps a short uh, but punitive takes a yoo glide, as unit and human do.
Not pyoo-NY-tiv
Front beat is the loud one and the i in the middle stays short.
More words starting with p · Every word in the pronunciation guide