How to Pronounce “substantive”

American (US)

/ˈsʌbstəntɪv/

adjective — Of the essence or essential element of a thing.

Example: substantive information.

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

Where the stress falls. “substantive” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsʌbstəntɪv/ 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. /ˈsʌbstəntɪv/ 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 "substantive" mean?

substantive (adjective): Of the essence or essential element of a thing. For example — substantive information.

What is the IPA transcription of "substantive"?

/ˈsʌbstəntɪv/ in American English.

Which syllable is stressed in "substantive"?

“substantive” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsʌbstəntɪv/ 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.