How to pronounce compunction
Say it like kum-PUHNGK-shun. Compunction has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PUHNGK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce compunction. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kum
- PUHNGK
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Compunction 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.
- PUHNGKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of compunction
American and British speakers say compunction in essentially the same way: /kəmˈpʌŋkʃən/ in the US and /kəmˈpʌŋkʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: kum-PUHNGK-shun.
What does compunction mean?
- A pricking of conscience or a feeling of regret, especially one which is slight or fleeting.
Where does compunction come from?
From Middle English compunccion, borrowed from Old French compunction, from Late Latin compunctionem (“a pricking”), from Latin compunctus, the past participle of compungere (“to severely prick”), from com- + pungere (“to prick”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with compunction
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of compunction.
Questions about saying compunction
How do you pronounce compunction?
Say kum-PUHNGK-shun. The American pronunciation is /kəmˈpʌŋkʃən/. In British English it is /kəmˈpʌŋkʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in compunction?
Compunction has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PUHNGK). Broken into parts: kum · PUHNGK · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say compunction the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kəmˈpʌŋkʃən/ and the British form is /kəmˈpʌŋkʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.