How to pronounce comfortable
Say it like KUHM-fer-tuh-bul. Comfortable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHM).
- KUHM
- fer
- tuh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Usually three syllables: 'KUMF-ter-bul'. The 'or' is swallowed.
Comfortable pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ferKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of comfortable
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KUHM-fuh-tuh-bul.
What does comfortable mean?
- Providing physical comfort and ease; agreeable.“This is the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in.”
- In a state of comfort and content.“What a great guestroom! I'll be quite comfortable here.”
- Confident; relaxed; not worried about someone or something.
- A stuffed or quilted coverlet for a bed; a comforter.
Where does comfortable come from?
From Middle English comfortable, from Old French confortable, from conforter.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying comfortable
How do you pronounce comfortable?
Say KUHM-fer-tuh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˈkʌmfɚtəbəl/. In British English it is /ˈkʌmfətəbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in comfortable?
Comfortable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHM). Broken into parts: KUHM · fer · tuh · bul.
Is comfortable pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkʌmfətəbəl/ (KUHM-fuh-tuh-bul).