How to pronounce recompense
Say it like REK-um-pens. Recompense has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce recompense. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- REK
- um
- pens
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Recompense pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- REKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- pensGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of recompense
American and British speakers say recompense in essentially the same way: /ˈrɛkəmˌpɛns/ in the US and /ˈrɛkəmˌpɛns/ in the UK.
British respelling: REK-um-pens.
What does recompense mean?
- An equivalent returned for anything given, done, or suffered; compensation; reward; amends; requital.
- That which compensates for an injury, or other type of harm or damage.“He offered money as recompense for the damage, but what the injured party wanted was an apology.”
- To reward or repay (someone) for something done, given etc.
- To give compensation for an injury, or other type of harm or damage.“The judge ordered the defendant to recompense the plaintiff by paying $100.”
- To give (something) in return; to pay back; to pay, as something earned or deserved.
Where does recompense come from?
From Middle English recompense, borrowed from Old French recompense or Medieval Latin recompensa.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying recompense
How do you pronounce recompense?
Say REK-um-pens. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɛkəmˌpɛns/. In British English it is /ˈrɛkəmˌpɛns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in recompense?
Recompense has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REK). Broken into parts: REK · um · pens.
Do Americans and Brits say recompense the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɛkəmˌpɛns/ and the British form is /ˈrɛkəmˌpɛns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.