How to Pronounce “customary”

American (US)

/ˈkʌs.təˌmɛɹ.i/

British (UK)

/ˈkʌs.tə.m(ə.)ɹi/

adjective — In accordance with, or established by, custom or common usage.

Where the stress falls. “customary” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkʌs.təˌmɛɹ.i/ 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. /ˈkʌs.təˌmɛɹ.i/ 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 "customary" mean?

customary (adjective): In accordance with, or established by, custom or common usage.

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

American English: /ˈkʌs.təˌmɛɹ.i/. British English: /ˈkʌs.tə.m(ə.)ɹi/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "customary"?

/ˈkʌs.təˌmɛɹ.i/ in American English, /ˈkʌs.tə.m(ə.)ɹi/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "customary"?

“customary” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkʌs.təˌmɛɹ.i/ 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.