How do you pronounce "imperative"?

In American English: /ˌɪmˈpɛrətɪv/ (im-PEHR-uht-iv). In British English: /ɪmpˈɛɹətˌɪv/ (imp-EHR-uht-iv). In Canadian English: /ˌɪmˈpɛrətɪv/ (im-PEHR-uht-iv). In Australian English: /ɪmpˈɛɹətˌɪv/ (imp-EHR-uht-iv).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˌɪmˈpɛrətɪv/ (im-PEHR-uht-iv), while in British English it's /ɪmpˈɛɹətˌɪv/ (imp-EHR-uht-iv).

How to Pronounce "imperative"

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imperative

regional

/ˌɪmˈpɛrətɪv/

im-PEHR-uht-iv

Syllable Breakdown

ɪmim·pɛrper·əta·ɪvtive

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14