How to Pronounce “compliment”

American (US)

/ˈkɑmpləmənt/

British (UK)

/ˈkɒmplɪmənt/

noun — An expression of praise, congratulation, or respect.

Example: pay someone a compliment.

Where the stress falls. “compliment” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkɑmpləmənt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈkɑmpləmənt/ 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 "compliment" mean?

compliment (noun): An expression of praise, congratulation, or respect. For example — pay someone a compliment.

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

American English: /ˈkɑmpləmənt/. British English: /ˈkɒmplɪmənt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "compliment"?

/ˈkɑmpləmənt/ in American English, /ˈkɒmplɪmənt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "compliment"?

“compliment” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkɑmpləmənt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.