Proper Pronunciation Guide

preventive

[prə vɛn təv]

Tips:

  • Pronounce the first letter “e” as the weak schwa vowel
    /ə/.
  • Stress the second syllable [vɛn].
  • Pronounce the letter “i,” which is the vowel in the third syllable, aslo as the weak schwa vowel
    /ə/.

Practice Sentences:

 The police have taken preventive measures to guard the embassy against a terrorist attack.
The clinic emphasizes preventive medicine as a part of its overall strategy to reduce costs.

Definition:

  • (adjective) Aimed at stopping something negative from happening before it has a chance to occur.

Notes:

Some speakers make the pronunciation error of adding an extra syllable to this word by saying “preventative.” (The verb is “prevent” and the noun is “prevention.”)

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