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comparable

How to Pronounce "comparable"

The correct pronunciation of "comparable" is KOM-pruh-buhl /ˈkɒmpərəbəl/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "kum-PARE-uh-bul" habit for good.

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comparable

/ˈkɒmpərəbəl/
adjective

Able to be compared; similar enough to be weighed against something.

KOM
pruh
buhl
Stress: First syllable (KOM).

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The Indian-English Mistake: "kum-PARE-uh-bul" — and the Fix

AspectCommon in India (incorrect)Correct
Sounds likeSaying 'kum-PARE-uh-bul' with the stress on the second syllable.KOM-pruh-buhl /ˈkɒmpərəbəl/
StressOften on the wrong syllableFirst syllable (KOM).

How Do You Pronounce "comparable"?

"comparable" is pronounced KOM-pruh-buhl /ˈkɒmpərəbəl/. The stress is on the first syllable (KOM). As a adjective, it means able to be compared; similar enough to be weighed against something.

The stress lands on the FIRST syllable, KOM — not on 'PARE' in the middle.

Note: US often shifts to /kəmˈperəbəl/ ("kum-PAIR-uh-bul") when meaning 'roughly equal', but the classic taught form keeps the stress on KOM.

Say "comparable" Step by Step

Break the word down, get the stress right, then blend it back together at normal speed. Repeat each step out loud three times.

1

Break it into syllables

KOM-pruh-buhl — say each part slowly and separately first.

2

Stress the right part

First syllable (KOM). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.

3

Nail the key sound

The stress lands on the FIRST syllable, KOM — not on 'PARE' in the middle.

4

Blend and repeat

Now say "comparable" at normal speed: KOM-pruh-buhl. Record yourself and compare.

Minimal-Pair Drills for "comparable" (2 Minutes, Out Loud)

Say each drill line aloud, slowly first, then at normal speed. On the last drill, use the mic check at the top of this page to test yourself.

1

COMMON → COMPARABLE

Both open with a stressed KOM; keep the weight at the front.

2

NOT kum-PARE-uh-bul — KOM-pruh-buhl

Never stress PARE; clap on the first beat only.

3

Say at speed: "The two phones are comparable in price."

Front stress even when speaking fast.

Why "comparable" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It

Why this happens

Indian English keeps the stress on the root word 'compare', so it shifts rightward onto PARE.

Tip: Pull the stress to the front: KOM-pruh-buhl, said quickly, almost swallowing the middle.

Hear “comparable” in a Sentence

Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.

The two phones are comparable in price.

Our results are comparable to last year's.

Nothing is comparable to home food.

Words Related to "comparable"

Related: preferable

Same front-stress trap: PREF-ruh-bul, not pre-FER-able.

Related: admirable

Also front-stressed: AD-mruh-bul, not ad-MIRE-able.

Now say it inside a sentence

Getting "comparable" right on its own is the easy part. Pronunciation only sticks in connected speech. Read a passage aloud and get scored on accuracy and pace, word by word — free, no login.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce "comparable" in Indian English?

"comparable" is pronounced KOM-pruh-buhl /ˈkɒmpərəbəl/. The stress is on the first syllable (KOM). The common Indian rendering "kum-PARE-uh-bul" is incorrect.

What is the most common mistake when saying "comparable"?

Saying 'kum-PARE-uh-bul' with the stress on the second syllable. Pull the stress to the front: KOM-pruh-buhl, said quickly, almost swallowing the middle.

Why do Indian English speakers find "comparable" hard to pronounce?

Indian English keeps the stress on the root word 'compare', so it shifts rightward onto PARE. Pull the stress to the front: KOM-pruh-buhl, said quickly, almost swallowing the middle.

Is there a US and UK difference in pronouncing "comparable"?

US often shifts to /kəmˈperəbəl/ ("kum-PAIR-uh-bul") when meaning 'roughly equal', but the classic taught form keeps the stress on KOM.

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