How to Pronounce “complementary”

American (US)

/ˌkɑmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/

British (UK)

/ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/

adjective — Acting as a complement; making up a whole with something else.

Example: I'll provide you with some complementary notes to help you study.

Where the stress falls. “complementary” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌkɑmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌkɑmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/ 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 "complementary" mean?

complementary (adjective): Acting as a complement; making up a whole with something else. For example — I'll provide you with some complementary notes to help you study.

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

American English: /ˌkɑmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/. British English: /ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "complementary"?

/ˌkɑmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/ in American English, /ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "complementary"?

“complementary” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌkɑmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.