How to pronounce comparison
Say it like kum-PER-uh-sun. Comparison has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce comparison. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kum
- PER
- uh
- sun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Comparison 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.
- PERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- sunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of comparison
American and British speakers say comparison in essentially the same way: /kəmˈpɛrəsən/ in the US and /kəmˈpærɪsən/ in the UK.
British respelling: kum-PAR-ih-sun.
What does comparison mean?
- the act of examining resemblances“they made a comparison of noise levels”“the fractions selected for comparison must require pupils to consider both numerator and denominator”
- relation based on similarities and differences
- qualities that are comparable“no comparison between the two books”“beyond compare”
Where does comparison come from?
From Middle English comparisoun, from Old French comparison, from Latin comparātiō, from comparātus, perfect passive participle of comparō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying comparison
How do you pronounce comparison?
Say kum-PER-uh-sun. The American pronunciation is /kəmˈpɛrəsən/. In British English it is /kəmˈpærɪsən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in comparison?
Comparison has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PER). Broken into parts: kum · PER · uh · sun.
Do Americans and Brits say comparison the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kəmˈpɛrəsən/ and the British form is /kəmˈpærɪsən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.