How to pronounce complete
Say it like kum-PLEET. Complete has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLEET).
- kum
- PLEET
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Complete 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.
- PLEETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of complete
American and British speakers say complete in essentially the same way: /kəmˈplit/ in the US and /kəmˈpliːt/ in the UK.
British respelling: kum-PLEET.
What does complete mean?
- To finish; to make done; to reach the end.“He completed the assignment on time.”
- To make whole or entire.“The last chapter completes the book nicely.”
- To call from the small blind in an unraised pot.
- With all parts included; with nothing missing; full.“My life will be complete once I buy this new television.”
- Finished; ended; concluded; completed.“When your homework is complete, you can go and play with Martin.”
- Generic intensifier.“He is a complete bastard!”
- A completed survey.
Where does complete come from?
From Middle English compleet (“full, complete”), borrowed from Old French complet or Latin completus, past participle of compleō (“to fill up, to complete”) (whence also complement, compliment), from com- + pleō (“to fill, to fulfill”) (whe
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with complete
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of complete.
Questions about saying complete
How do you pronounce complete?
Say kum-PLEET. The American pronunciation is /kəmˈplit/. In British English it is /kəmˈpliːt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in complete?
Complete has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLEET). Broken into parts: kum · PLEET.
Do Americans and Brits say complete the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kəmˈplit/ and the British form is /kəmˈpliːt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.