How to Pronounce Elective

To pronounce "elective", say EL-ect-iv-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ɪˈlɛktɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

elective

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying elective, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

4

Syllables

8

Letters

/ɪˈlɛktɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “elective”

"elective" has 4 syllables: el-ect-iv-e. It rhymes with objective and perspective, if that helps it stick.

What does elective mean?

noun

  1. Something that is an option or that may be elected, like a course of tertiary study or a medical procedure.

adjective

  1. Of, or pertaining to voting or elections; involving a choice between options.
  2. Optional or discretionary; chosen, not mandatory.

    “My insurance wouldn't pay for the operation because it was elective surgery.”

Synonyms

electoral

Words that rhyme with elective

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

objectiveperspectivecollectiveprospectivereflectiveeffectiveintrospectivedefectiveinvectivesubjectiveineffectiveretrospective

Related words

optionalelectedelectoralnonappointiveoptionchoiceselectivevoluntary

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "elective"?▾

"Elective" has 4 syllables: el · ect · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "elective"?▾

The IPA transcription of "elective" is /ɪˈlɛktɪv/.

What does "elective" mean?▾

Elective: Something that is an option or that may be elected, like a course of tertiary study or a medical procedure.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “elective” in the full dictionary →