How do you pronounce "relative"?

In American English: /ˈrɛlətɪv/ (REHL-uht-iv). In British English: /ɹˈɛlətɪv/ (R-ehl-uht). In Canadian English: /ˈrɛlətɪv/ (REHL-uht-iv). In Australian English: /ɹˈɛlətˌɪv/ (R-ehl-uht).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈrɛlətɪv/ (REHL-uht-iv), while in British English it's /ɹˈɛlətɪv/ (R-ehl-uht).

How to Pronounce "relative"

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relative

regional

/ˈrɛlətɪv/

REHL-uht-iv

Syllable Breakdown

rɛlrel·əta·ɪvtive

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14