English pronunciation · Words Starting with R
Relative Pronunciation
Relative is pronounced RE-luh-tiv, IPA /ˈrɛlətɪv/.
RE-luh-tiv
US /ˈrɛlətɪv/ · UK /ˈrɛləˌtɪv/
Syllables: RE · luh · tiv (3 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun and adjective: A member of your family, or considered in comparison with something else.
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Relative in a Sentence
- A distant relative left her the cottage.
- The relative cost of the two plans is about the same.
- Is he a relative of yours?
Common Mispronunciations of Relative
Not RE-lay-tiv
The middle beat is a bare luh with no full a left in it, so three quick syllables run past before the word ends.
Not ruh-LA-tiv
Lead on RE and keep the rest level. Only relativity hands the weight to the middle of the word.
Tip: Relative and relatively share one shape, and neither of them stretches the opening the way relate does.
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