How to pronounce compare
Say it like kum-PAIR. Compare has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PAIR).
- kum
- PAIR
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Compare pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- PAIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of compare
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: kum-PAIR.
What does compare mean?
- examine and note the similarities or differences of“John compared his haircut to his friend's”“We compared notes after we had both seen the movie”
- be comparable“This car does not compare with our line of Mercedes”
- consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous“We can compare the Han dynasty to the Romans”“You cannot equate success in financial matters with greed”
- qualities that are comparable“no comparison between the two books”“beyond compare”
Where does compare come from?
From Middle English comparen, from Old French comparer, from Latin comparare (“to prepare, procure”), from compar (“like or equal to another”), from com- + par (“equal”).
Words that rhyme with compare
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of compare.
Questions about saying compare
How do you pronounce compare?
Say kum-PAIR. The American pronunciation is /kəmˈpɛr/. In British English it is /kəmˈpɛə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in compare?
Compare has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PAIR). Broken into parts: kum · PAIR.
Is compare 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 /kəmˈpɛə/ (kum-PAIR).