How to Pronounce “commensurate”

American (US)

/kəˈmɛnsəɹət/

British (UK)

/kəˈmens(ə)rət/

adjective — Of a proportionate or similar measurable standard.

Example: commensurate punishments.

The final e is silent. The transcription /kəˈmɛnsəɹət/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “commensurate” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “commensurate” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /kəˈmɛnsəɹət/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /kəˈmɛnsəɹət/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "commensurate" mean?

commensurate (adjective): Of a proportionate or similar measurable standard. For example — commensurate punishments.

How do you pronounce "commensurate" in American vs British English?

American English: /kəˈmɛnsəɹət/. British English: /kəˈmens(ə)rət/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "commensurate"?

/kəˈmɛnsəɹət/ in American English, /kəˈmens(ə)rət/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "commensurate"?

“commensurate” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /kəˈmɛnsəɹət/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.