How to pronounce composition
Say it like kom-puh-ZISH-un. Composition has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (ZISH).
- kom
- puh
- ZISH
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Composition pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- komGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ZISHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of composition
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: kom-puh-ZISH-un.
What does composition mean?
- The act of putting together; assembly.
- A mixture or compound; the result of composing.
- The proportion of different parts to make a whole.
Where does composition come from?
From Middle English composicioun, borrowed from Old French composicion, from Latin compositiō, compositiōnem.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with composition
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of composition.
Questions about saying composition
How do you pronounce composition?
Say kom-puh-ZISH-un. The American pronunciation is /ˌkɑmpəˈzɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌkɒmpəˈzɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in composition?
Composition has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (ZISH). Broken into parts: kom · puh · ZISH · un.
Is composition 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 /ˌkɒmpəˈzɪʃən/ (kom-puh-ZISH-un).