How to Pronounce “prerogative”

American (US)

/prɪˈrɑːɡətɪv/

British (UK)

/prɪˈrɒɡətɪv/

noun — A right or privilege belonging to a particular person or group.

Example: Choosing the menu is the host's prerogative.

Synonyms: privilege, entitlement, right

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

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

prerogative (noun): A right or privilege belonging to a particular person or group. For example — Choosing the menu is the host's prerogative.

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

American English: /prɪˈrɑːɡətɪv/. British English: /prɪˈrɒɡətɪv/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "prerogative"?

/prɪˈrɑːɡətɪv/ in American English, /prɪˈrɒɡətɪv/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "prerogative"?

“prerogative” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /prɪˈrɑːɡətɪv/ 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.

• Commonly mispronounced words