How to pronounce complimentary
Say it like kahm-pluh-MEN-tuh-ree. Complimentary has five 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 complimentary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kahm
- pluh
- MEN
- tuh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Complimentary 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.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of complimentary
- 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 complimentary mean?
- In the nature of a compliment.“a complimentary remark”
- Free; provided at no charge.“complimentary drinks”
- With respect to the closing of a letter, formal and professional.
Where does complimentary come from?
From compliment (noun) + -ary.
Words that rhyme with complimentary
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of complimentary.
Questions about saying complimentary
How do you pronounce complimentary?
Say kahm-pluh-MEN-tuh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˌkɑmpləˈmɛntəri/. In British English it is /ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in complimentary?
Complimentary has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MEN). Broken into parts: kahm · pluh · MEN · tuh · ree.
Is complimentary 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 /ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntəri/ (kom-plih-MEN-tuh-ree).