4 syllables: lo, co, mo, tive. Stress on mo.
loh-kuh-MOH-tiv
/ˌloʊkəˈmoʊtɪv/
locomotive is pronounced loh-kuh-MOH-tiv (/ˌloʊkəˈmoʊtɪv/). It has four syllables (lo-co-mo-tive), with the stress on "mo". Locomotive refers to a self-propelled vehicle that moves along tracks, typically a powered rail engine that pulls or pushes trains. The term can describe a train engine or, more broadly, something that causes movement. It combines the idea of motion with machinery and is used in technical, historical, and everyday contexts related to rail transport.
Locomotive refers to a self-propelled vehicle that moves along tracks, typically a powered rail engine that pulls or pushes trains. The term can describe a train engine or, more broadly, something that causes movement. It combines the idea of motion with machinery and is used in technical, historical, and everyday contexts related to rail transport.
- You may place primary stress on the first syllable (LO-co-mo-tive) leading to a flatter rhythm. To fix, re-time to stress the third syllable: lo-co-MO-tive and emphasize the /moʊ/ vowel. - Mispronouncing /ˈmoʊ.tɪv/ as /ˈmoʊ.tɪv/ without the /ə/ between; insert a light schwa in the second syllable: /mə/. - Run-together of the -tive ending; ensure a crisp /tɪv/ rather than a swallowed or silent ending. Practice with slow tempo and clear enunciation, then speed up.
"The locomotive whistled as it approached the station."
"Researchers studied how steam locomotives were phased out in favor of diesel engines."
"The museum exhibit showcased a 19th-century steam locomotive."
Locomotive is pronounced with stress on the third syllable: lo-CO-mo-tive (US: /ˌloʊ.kəˈmoʊ.tɪv/, UK: /ˌləʊ.kəˈməʊ.tɪv/, AU: /ˌlɒ.kəˈmoʊ.tɪv/). Start with the /ˈloʊ/ or /ˈləʊ/ onset, then a light /kə/ syllable, and finish with /ˈmoʊ.tɪv/. The key is the stress on the third syllable and a clear, unstressed first two syllables leading to the emphasized second half. Tip: visualize “low-koh-MO-tive” with a strong kick on MO.
Common errors include stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., LOCO-mo-tive), inserting an extra syllable or misplacing the /k/ and /m/ cluster (loco-COM-o-tive), and mispronouncing the final -tive as -tiv. Correct by practicing the standard /ˌloʊ.kəˈmoʊ.tɪv/ with a clear /k/ before /məʊ/ and a strong /tɪv/ at the end. Use minimal pairs like ‘locomotive’ vs ‘local motive’ to train the stress and vowel quality.
US: /ˌloʊ.kəˈmoʊ.tɪv/ with rhoticity and a clear /oʊ/ first vowel; UK: /ˌləʊ.kəˈməʊ.tɪv/ with non-rhotic r and slightly longer second vowel /əʊ/; AU: /ˌlɒ.kəˈmoʊ.tɪv/ with broader vowel in the first syllable and similar -mo-tive ending. The main differences are rhoticity and vowel quality in the second syllable and the Australian tendency toward a broader /ɒ/ in the first syllable.
Difficulties arise from the multi-syllabic stress pattern and the consonant cluster /k/ + /məʊ/ followed by /tɪv/. The shift of stress from the first to the third syllable requires precise timing: lo-CO-mo-tive. Additionally, the final -tive can be read as a separate syllable or swallowed, depending on pace. Practice by isolating the stressed syllable and anchoring it with a clear /tɪv/ ending in all three major accents.
One distinctive aspect is the tri-syllabic structure with a stressed tertiary beat: lo-co-MO-tive, where the nucleus of the stress sits on MO. This can be challenging because English often compresses or disperses stress differently in compound words; here, the middle “co” lead-in is lightly stressed, making the midpoint less prominent while the final -tive carries the main weight.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "locomotive"!
- US: rhotic /r/ is subtle before the third syllable; the /ə/ in the second syllable is weak; ensure /ˈmoʊ/ is strong in the final syllable. - UK: non-rhotic; /ləʊ.kəˈməʊ.tɪv/ has a fuller /əʊ/ in the second half and a more pronounced second vowel; keep non-rhotic r. - AU: broader vowel in the first syllable; maintain the /ɒ/ for the first vowel and keep the /moʊ/ as in other dialects; ensure non-rhotic tendencies with a bright final syllable.
Locomotive comes from Latin locomāre, meaning 'to set in motion' (loco = place, motion = movement), through the French locomotive and the English term locomotive. The root loco- derives from Latin locus ‘place,’ while motive derives from French/Latin motus ‘motion.’ In railway usage, the compound signals an engine capable of locomotion, i.e., movement along rails. The earliest English usage dates to the early 19th century, in reference to steam-powered rail systems. As technology evolved, the term broadened to include any self-propelled vehicle on tracks, while remaining anchored to the idea of movement or propulsion. The word has since become a general descriptor in railway vocabulary and in figurative phrases about things that initiate or drive motion.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "locomotive" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "locomotive" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "locomotive" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "locomotive"
-ive sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
