How to Pronounce “objective”

American (US)

/əbˈd͡ʒɛk.tɪv/

British (UK)

/ɒbˈd͡ʒɛk.tɪv/

Australian (AU)

/əbˈd͡ʒek.tɪv/

adjective — Of or relating to a material object, actual existence or reality.

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

Where the stress falls. “objective” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /əbˈd͡ʒɛk.tɪv/ 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. /əbˈd͡ʒɛk.tɪv/ 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 "objective" mean?

objective (adjective): Of or relating to a material object, actual existence or reality.

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

American English: /əbˈd͡ʒɛk.tɪv/. British English: /ɒbˈd͡ʒɛk.tɪv/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "objective"?

/əbˈd͡ʒɛk.tɪv/ in American English, /ɒbˈd͡ʒɛk.tɪv/ in British English, /əbˈd͡ʒek.tɪv/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "objective"?

“objective” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /əbˈd͡ʒɛk.tɪv/ 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.

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