How to pronounce contemptible
Say it like kun-TEMP-tuh-bul. Contemptible has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEMP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contemptible. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- TEMP
- tuh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contemptible pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TEMPSay 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.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of contemptible
American and British speakers say contemptible in essentially the same way: /kənˈtɛmptəbəl/ in the US and /kənˈtɛmptəbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: kun-TEMP-tuh-bul.
What does contemptible mean?
- Deserving contempt.
Where does contemptible come from?
From Middle English contemptible, from Latin contemptibilis.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying contemptible
How do you pronounce contemptible?
Say kun-TEMP-tuh-bul. The American pronunciation is /kənˈtɛmptəbəl/. In British English it is /kənˈtɛmptəbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contemptible?
Contemptible has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEMP). Broken into parts: kun · TEMP · tuh · bul.
Do Americans and Brits say contemptible the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kənˈtɛmptəbəl/ and the British form is /kənˈtɛmptəbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.