How do you pronounce "initiative"?

In American English: /ˌɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ (i-NISH-uht-iv). In British English: /ɪnˈɪʃiətˌɪv/ (in-ISH-ee-uht-iv). In Canadian English: /ˌɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ (i-NISH-uht-iv). In Australian English: /ɪnˈɪʃiətˌɪv/ (in-ISH-ee-uht-iv).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˌɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ (i-NISH-uht-iv), while in British English it's /ɪnˈɪʃiətˌɪv/ (in-ISH-ee-uht-iv).

How to Pronounce "initiative"

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initiative

regional

/ˌɪˈnɪʃətɪv/

i-NISH-uht-iv

Syllable Breakdown

ɪini·nɪʃtia·ətti·ɪvve

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14