How to Pronounce Expletive

To pronounce "expletive", say EXPL-et-iv-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ɪkˈspliːtɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

expletive

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4

Syllables

9

Letters

/ɪkˈspliːtɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “expletive”

"expletive" has 4 syllables: expl-et-iv-e.

What does expletive mean?

noun

  1. A profane, vulgar term, notably a curse or obscene oath.

    “If we don't take advantage of any [expletive] in any way, then it's our loss.”

  2. A word without meaning added to fill a syntactic position.

adjective

  1. Serving to fill up, merely for effect, otherwise redundant.
  2. Marked by expletives (phrase-fillers).

Synonyms

intensifieroathswear wordexpletory

Related words

oathswearingswearwordcusscurseinfixationexpletoryrepletive

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "expletive"?▾

"Expletive" has 4 syllables: expl · et · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "expletive"?▾

The IPA transcription of "expletive" is /ɪkˈspliːtɪv/.

What does "expletive" mean?▾

Expletive: A profane, vulgar term, notably a curse or obscene oath.

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