How to pronounce compatible
Say it like kum-PAT-uh-bul. Compatible has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PAT).
- kum
- PAT
- uh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Compatible 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.
- PATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep 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 compatible
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: kum-PAT-ih-bul.
What does compatible mean?
- Capable of working together without conflict.“This printer isn't compatible with my computer.”
- Able to get along well.“My neighbours and I are not very compatible: they're loud and I'm an introvert.”
- Consistent; congruous.“His actions were compatible with his sermons.”
- Something that is compatible with something else.
Where does compatible come from?
Inherited from Middle English compatible, fron Anglo-Norman compatible, from Medieval Latin compatibilis (“in compatibile beneficium, a benefice which could be held together with another one”), from Late Latin compator (“to suffer with”), f
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying compatible
How do you pronounce compatible?
Say kum-PAT-uh-bul. The American pronunciation is /kəmˈpætəbəl/. In British English it is /kəmˈpætɪbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in compatible?
Compatible has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PAT). Broken into parts: kum · PAT · uh · bul.
Is compatible pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /kəmˈpætɪbəl/ (kum-PAT-ih-bul).