How to pronounce complementary
Say it like kahm-pluh-MEN-tree. Complementary has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce complementary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kahm
- pluh
- MEN
- tree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Complementary pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kahmGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- pluhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- MENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- treeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of complementary
- American English uses 4 syllables and British English 5.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: kom-plih-MEN-tuh-ree.
What does complementary mean?
- either one of two chromatic colors that when mixed together give white (in the case of lights) or grey (in the case of pigments)“yellow and blue are complementaries”
- of words or propositions so related that each is the negation of the other“`male' and `female' are complementary terms”
- acting as or providing a complement (something that completes the whole)
Where does complementary come from?
From complement + -ary.
Words that rhyme with complementary
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of complementary.
Questions about saying complementary
How do you pronounce complementary?
Say kahm-pluh-MEN-tree. The American pronunciation is /ˌkɑmpləˈmɛntri/. In British English it is /ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in complementary?
Complementary has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MEN). Broken into parts: kahm · pluh · MEN · tree.
Is complementary pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 4 syllables and British English 5. The British form is /ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntəri/ (kom-plih-MEN-tuh-ree).