How to pronounce complex
Say it like KOM-pleks. Complex has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOM).
- KOM
- pleks
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Complex 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.
- pleksKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of complex
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KOM-pleks.
Other ways to say complex
Complex also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- kum-PLEKS /kəmˈplɛks/
What does complex mean?
- a conceptual whole made up of complicated and related parts“the complex of shopping malls, houses, and roads created a new town”
- a compound described in terms of the central atom to which other atoms are bound or coordinated
- (psychoanalysis) a combination of emotions and impulses that have been rejected from awareness but still influence a person's behavior
- complicated in structure; consisting of interconnected parts“a complex set of variations based on a simple folk melody”“a complex mass of diverse laws and customs”
- difficult to analyze or understand“a complicated problem”“complicated Middle East politics”
Where does complex come from?
From French complexe, from Latin complexus, past participle of complector (“to entwine, encircle, compass, infold”), from com- (“together”) and plectō (“to weave, braid”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying complex
How do you pronounce complex?
Say KOM-pleks. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑmplɛks/. In British English it is /ˈkɒmplɛks/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in complex?
Complex has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOM). Broken into parts: KOM · pleks.
Is complex 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 /ˈkɒmplɛks/ (KOM-pleks).