English pronunciation · Words Starting with C
Complimentary Pronunciation
Complimentary is pronounced kahm-pluh-MEN-ter-ee, IPA /ˌkɑmpləˈmɛntɝi/.
kahm-pluh-MEN-ter-ee
US /ˌkɑmpləˈmɛntɝi/ · UK /ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntəri/
Syllables: kahm · pluh · MEN · ter · ee (5 syllables, stress on syllable 3)
adjective: Given free of charge, or expressing praise.
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Complimentary in a Sentence
- The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast.
- She was complimentary about the design.
- A complimentary ticket arrived in the post.
Common Mispronunciations of Complimentary
Not kahm-pluh-MEN-tree
Americans usually keep all five beats and British speakers often drop to four, and both readings are heard.
Not KAHM-pluh-men-ter-ee
MEN takes the volume, three beats in, and the two in front of it run light.
Tip: Complementary with an e means completing something and complimentary with an i means free or full of praise, and the two are said identically.
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