How to Pronounce Fricative

To pronounce "fricative", say FRIC-at-iv-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ˈfɹɪkətɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

fricative

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Accent

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4

Syllables

9

Letters

/ˈfɹɪkətɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “fricative”

"fricative" has 4 syllables: fric-at-iv-e.

What does fricative mean?

noun

  1. Any of several sounds produced by air flowing through a constriction in the oral cavity and typically producing a sibilant, hissing, or buzzing quality; a fricative consonant.

adjective

  1. Produced by air flowing through a restriction in the oral cavity.

Synonyms

spirant

Hear “fricative” in real sentences

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

Related words

spirantsoftsibilantvelarbilabiallabiodentalcontinuantallophone

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "fricative"?▾

"Fricative" has 4 syllables: fric · at · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "fricative"?▾

The IPA transcription of "fricative" is /ˈfɹɪkətɪv/.

What does "fricative" mean?▾

Fricative: Any of several sounds produced by air flowing through a constriction in the oral cavity and typically producing a sibilant, hissing, or buzzing quality; a fricative consonant.

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