How to pronounce compression
Say it like kum-PRESH-un. Compression has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PRESH).
- kum
- PRESH
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Compression 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.
- PRESHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of compression
American and British speakers say compression in essentially the same way: /kəmˈprɛʃən/ in the US and /kəmˈprɛʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: kum-PRESH-un.
What does compression mean?
- An increase in density; the act of compressing, or the state of being compressed; compaction.
- The cycle of an internal combustion engine during which the fuel and air mixture is compressed.
- The process by which data is compressed.
Where does compression come from?
Borrowed from Middle French compression, from Latin compressiō, equivalent to compress + -ion.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- compaction
- concretion
- densification
- condensation
- contraction
- compressing
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with compression
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of compression.
Questions about saying compression
How do you pronounce compression?
Say kum-PRESH-un. The American pronunciation is /kəmˈprɛʃən/. In British English it is /kəmˈprɛʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in compression?
Compression has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PRESH). Broken into parts: kum · PRESH · un.
Do Americans and Brits say compression the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kəmˈprɛʃən/ and the British form is /kəmˈprɛʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.