How to Pronounce “constitutive”

American (US)

/kənˈstɪt͡ʃuˌtɪv/

adjective — Having the power or authority to constitute, establish or enact something.

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

Where the stress falls. “constitutive” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /kənˈstɪt͡ʃuˌtɪv/ 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. /kənˈstɪt͡ʃuˌtɪv/ 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 "constitutive" mean?

constitutive (adjective): Having the power or authority to constitute, establish or enact something.

What is the IPA transcription of "constitutive"?

/kənˈstɪt͡ʃuˌtɪv/ in American English.

Which syllable is stressed in "constitutive"?

“constitutive” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /kənˈstɪt͡ʃuˌtɪv/ 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.