How to Pronounce Complement

To pronounce "complement", say COMPL-em-ent — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈkɒmpləmənt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

complement

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

10

Letters

/ˈkɒmpləmənt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “complement”

"complement" has 3 syllables: compl-em-ent.

What does complement mean?

noun

  1. A protective substance that exists in the serum or other bodily fluid and is capable of killing microorganisms; complement.

noun

  1. Something (or someone) that completes; the consummation.
  2. The act of completing something, or the fact of being complete; completion, completeness, fulfilment.

verb

  1. To complete, to bring to perfection, to make whole.

    “We believe your addition will complement the team.”

  2. To provide what the partner lacks and lack what the partner provides, thus forming part of a whole.

    “I believe our talents really complement each other.”

Hear “complement” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Related words

complementarysupplementalsupplementationsupplementaritysupplementarysupplementadditionalcomplementarity

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "complement"?▾

"Complement" has 3 syllables: compl · em · ent.

What is the IPA transcription of "complement"?▾

The IPA transcription of "complement" is /ˈkɒmpləmənt/.

What does "complement" mean?▾

Complement: A protective substance that exists in the serum or other bodily fluid and is capable of killing microorganisms; complement.

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