How to pronounce compulsory
Say it like kum-PUHL-suh-ree. Compulsory has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PUHL).
- kum
- PUHL
- suh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Compulsory 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.
- PUHLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- suhKeep 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 compulsory
American and British speakers say compulsory in essentially the same way: /kəmˈpʌlsəri/ in the US and /kəmˈpʌlsəri/ in the UK.
British respelling: kum-PUHL-suh-ree.
What does compulsory mean?
- Required; obligatory; mandatory.“The ten-dollar fee was compulsory.”
- Having the power of compulsion; constraining.“Such compulsory measures are limited.”
- Something that is compulsory or required.
Where does compulsory come from?
Borrowed from Late Latin compulsorius, from Latin compulsus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying compulsory
How do you pronounce compulsory?
Say kum-PUHL-suh-ree. The American pronunciation is /kəmˈpʌlsəri/. In British English it is /kəmˈpʌlsəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in compulsory?
Compulsory has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PUHL). Broken into parts: kum · PUHL · suh · ree.
Do Americans and Brits say compulsory the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kəmˈpʌlsəri/ and the British form is /kəmˈpʌlsəri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.