How to pronounce competency
Say it like KOM-puh-tin-see. Competency has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce competency. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOM
- puh
- tin
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Competency pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tinKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of competency
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KOM-puh-tun-see.
What does competency mean?
- The ability to perform some task; competence.
- An individual's capacity to understand the nature and implications of their legal rights and obligations.
- Implicit knowledge of a language’s structure.
Where does competency come from?
From Late Latin competentia.
Questions about saying competency
How do you pronounce competency?
Say KOM-puh-tin-see. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑmpətɪnsi/. In British English it is /ˈkɒmpətənsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in competency?
Competency has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOM). Broken into parts: KOM · puh · tin · see.
Is competency pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈkɒmpətənsi/ (KOM-puh-tun-see).