How to Pronounce Complementary

To pronounce "complementary", say COMPL-em-ent-ary — 4 syllables, IPA /ˌkɒmplɪ̈ˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

complementary

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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4

Syllables

13

Letters

/ˌkɒmplɪ̈ˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “complementary”

"complementary" has 4 syllables: compl-em-ent-ary. It rhymes with sentry and supplementary, if that helps it stick.

What does complementary mean?

noun

  1. A complementary colour.
  2. One skilled in compliments.

adjective

  1. Acting as a complement; making up a whole with something else.
  2. Of the specific pairings of the bases in DNA and RNA.

Words that rhyme with complementary

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

sentrysupplementarygentryelementaryentrycentrystenchycentri

Related words

complementalreciprocalinterchangeableantonymousinessentialunessentialcompletingcomplementarity

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "complementary"?▾

"Complementary" has 4 syllables: compl · em · ent · ary.

What is the IPA transcription of "complementary"?▾

The IPA transcription of "complementary" is /ˌkɒmplɪ̈ˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/.

What does "complementary" mean?▾

Complementary: A complementary colour.

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