How to Pronounce Alternative

To pronounce "alternative", say ALT-ern-at-iv-e — 5 syllables, IPA /ɒl.ˈtɜː(ɹ).nə.tɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

alternative

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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5

Syllables

11

Letters

/ɒl.ˈtɜː(ɹ).nə.tɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “alternative”

"alternative" has 5 syllables: alt-ern-at-iv-e.

What does alternative mean?

noun

  1. A situation which allows a mutually exclusive choice between two or more possibilities; a choice between two or more possibilities.
  2. One of several mutually exclusive things which can be chosen.

adjective

  1. Relating to a choice between two or more possibilities.

    “an alternative proposition”

  2. Other; different from something else.

Hear “alternative” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Related words

secondarychoiceoptionalternatedisjunctiveunconventionaldifferentothers

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "alternative"?▾

"Alternative" has 5 syllables: alt · ern · at · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "alternative"?▾

The IPA transcription of "alternative" is /ɒl.ˈtɜː(ɹ).nə.tɪv/.

What does "alternative" mean?▾

Alternative: A situation which allows a mutually exclusive choice between two or more possibilities; a choice between two or more possibilities.

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