How to Pronounce “derivative”

American (US)

/dɪˈɹɪvətɪv/

British (UK)

/dɪˈɹɪvətɪv/

adjective — Obtained by derivation; not radical, original, or fundamental.

Example: a derivative conveyance.

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

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

derivative (adjective): Obtained by derivation; not radical, original, or fundamental. For example — a derivative conveyance.

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

Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "derivative", /dɪˈɹɪvətɪv/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.

What is the IPA transcription of "derivative"?

/dɪˈɹɪvətɪv/ in American English, /dɪˈɹɪvətɪv/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "derivative"?

“derivative” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /dɪˈɹɪvətɪv/ 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.