How to Pronounce “qualitative”

American (US)

/ˈkwɑ.ləˌteɪ.tɪv/

British (UK)

/ˈkwɒl.ɪ.tə.tɪv/

Australian (AU)

/ˈkwɔl.ə.tæɪ.tɪv/

adjective — Of descriptions or distinctions based on some quality rather than on some quantity.

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

Where the stress falls. “qualitative” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkwɑ.ləˌteɪ.tɪv/ 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. /ˈkwɑ.ləˌteɪ.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 "qualitative" mean?

qualitative (adjective): Of descriptions or distinctions based on some quality rather than on some quantity.

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

American English: /ˈkwɑ.ləˌteɪ.tɪv/. British English: /ˈkwɒl.ɪ.tə.tɪv/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "qualitative"?

/ˈkwɑ.ləˌteɪ.tɪv/ in American English, /ˈkwɒl.ɪ.tə.tɪv/ in British English, /ˈkwɔl.ə.tæɪ.tɪv/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "qualitative"?

“qualitative” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkwɑ.ləˌteɪ.tɪv/ 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.