How to Pronounce “iterative”

American (US)

/ˈɪt(ə)ɹətɪv/

British (UK)

/ˈɪt(ə)ɹətɪv/

Australian (AU)

/ˈɪt(ə)ɹətɪv/

adjective — Of a procedure that involves repetition of steps (iteration) to achieve the desired outcome; in computing this may involve a mechanism such as a loop.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˈɪt(ə)ɹətɪv/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “iterative” is not pronounced.

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

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈɪt(ə)ɹətɪv/ 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 "iterative" mean?

iterative (adjective): Of a procedure that involves repetition of steps (iteration) to achieve the desired outcome; in computing this may involve a mechanism such as a loop.

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

Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "iterative", /ˈɪt(ə)ɹətɪv/, 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 "iterative"?

/ˈɪt(ə)ɹətɪv/ in American English, /ˈɪt(ə)ɹətɪv/ in British English, /ˈɪt(ə)ɹətɪv/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "iterative"?

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