How do you pronounce "illustrative"?

In American English: /ˌɪˈlʌstrətɪv/ (i-LUHSTR-uht-iv). In British English: /ˈɪləstɹətˌɪv/ (IL-uhstr-uht-iv). In Canadian English: /ˌɪˈlʌstrətɪv/ (i-LUHSTR-uht-iv). In Australian English: /ˈɪləstɹətˌɪv/ (IL-uhstr-uht-iv).

Is "illustrative" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˌɪˈlʌstrətɪv/ (i-LUHSTR-uht-iv), while in British English it's /ˈɪləstɹətˌɪv/ (IL-uhstr-uht-iv).

How to Pronounce "illustrative"

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illustrative

regional

/ˌɪˈlʌstrətɪv/

i-LUHSTR-uht-iv

Syllable Breakdown

ɪil·lʌstrlus·əttra·ɪvtive

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14