How do you pronounce "operative"?

In American English: /ˈɑːpɝətɪv/ (AHP-ur-uht-iv). In British English: /ˈɒpəɹətˌɪv/ (OP-uhr-uht-iv). In Canadian English: /ˈɑːpɝətɪv/ (AHP-ur-uht-iv). In Australian English: /ˈɒpəɹətˌɪv/ (OP-uhr-uht-iv).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈɑːpɝətɪv/ (AHP-ur-uht-iv), while in British English it's /ˈɒpəɹətˌɪv/ (OP-uhr-uht-iv).

How to Pronounce "operative"

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operative

regional

/ˈɑːpɝətɪv/

AHP-ur-uht-iv

Syllable Breakdown

ɑːpop·ɝer·əta·ɪvtive

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14