How to Pronounce “conservative”

American (US)

/kənˈsɝvətɪv/

British (UK)

/kənˈsɜːvətɪv/

noun — A person who favors maintenance of the status quo.

The final e is silent. The transcription /kənˈsɝvətɪv/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “conservative” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “conservative” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /kənˈsɝvətɪv/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /kənˈsɝvətɪv/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "conservative" mean?

conservative (noun): A person who favors maintenance of the status quo.

How do you pronounce "conservative" in American vs British English?

American English: /kənˈsɝvətɪv/. British English: /kənˈsɜːvətɪv/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "conservative"?

/kənˈsɝvətɪv/ in American English, /kənˈsɜːvətɪv/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "conservative"?

“conservative” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /kənˈsɝvətɪv/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.