3 syllables: Ac, com, plice. Stress on com.
uh-KAHM-pluhs
/əˈkɑmpləs/
Accomplice is pronounced uh-KAHM-pluhs (/əˈkɑmpləs/). It has three syllables (Ac-com-plice), with the stress on "com". Accomplice (noun) refers to a person who knowingly participates in a crime or wrongdoing with another, typically assisting in planning, facilitating, or concealing the act. It implies shared responsibility and awareness of the illicit nature of the act, though not always the primary offender. The term is often used in legal or investigative contexts, highlighting involvement beyond mere association.
nounAccomplice (noun) refers to a person who knowingly participates in a crime or wrongdoing with another, typically assisting in planning, facilitating, or concealing the act. It implies shared responsibility and awareness of the illicit nature of the act, though not always the primary offender. The term is often used in legal or investigative contexts, highlighting involvement beyond mere association.
"The burglar and his accomplice were caught on surveillance video."
"Authorities charged the suspect's accomplice as an accessory to the robbery."
"She admitted that she was an unwitting accomplice in the fraud."
Pronounce as /əˈkäm.plɪs/ in US English or /əˈkɒm.plɪs/ in UK English. The primary stress is on the second syllable: a-COM-plis. Start with a relaxed schwa, then an open back rounded vowel for the stressed syllable, followed by a clear /pl/ cluster and final /ɪs/ or /ɪs/ with a soft, short vowel. Tip: avoid tensing the jaw in the first syllable and keep the second syllable brisk and rounded.
Common errors include: misplacing stress (shifting to a-COM-plis), producing /əˈkɒm.plɪs/ with a British non-rhotic or mispronouncing the second syllable; altering the final /s/ to a /z/ sound; and blending /pl/ too loosely so it sounds like /p/ or /bl/. To correct: emphasize the second syllable with a clear /m/ onset and crisp /pl/ cluster, keep the final /ɪs/ short and unstressed, and avoid adding extra consonants after /s/.
In US English, the word is /əˈkäm.plɪs/ with rhotacized “r”? No; US uses rhoticity only if context includes /r/—here there is none. In UK English, /əˈkɒm.plɪs/ features short, broad /ɒ/ in the second syllable and non-rhoticity; final /s/ is crisp. Australian tends to fall between, often /əˈkɒm.plɪs/ with a closer to /ɒ/ and vowel height shading. Across all, the primary stress remains on the second syllable; the /pl/ cluster is central and should be preserved. IPA references help map the vowel quality differences.
Difficulties stem from the unstressed first syllable schwa and the strong middle syllable with /kɒm/ or /käm/ sounds, plus the /pl/ cluster before /ɪs/. English learners often misplace stress, flatten the /pl/ into /p/ or /bl/, or lengthen the final /ɪs/. Focus on a crisp /pl/ transition and keep the final /s/ voiceless; ensure the middle syllable has a clear /m/ and /k/ sequence without inserting extra vowels.
Accomplice contains a stress-timed second syllable with a liquid consonant sequence /pl/ followed by a short /ɪs/. The tricky part is achieving a clean /pl/ onset after /k/ or /m/ and maintaining an unobtrusive first syllable. Also, ensure the first syllable uses a neutral schwa without reducing the second syllable’s clarity. Practicing minimal pairs like comrade/complice can help you hear the subtle vowel and consonant distinctions.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Accomplice"!
US: rhotic but not heavily; stress pattern and vowel height similar to /əˈkäm.plɪs/. UK: /əˈkɒm.plɪs/, shorter /ɒ/ vowel, non-rhotic; AU: /əˈkɒm.plɪs/ with a broader /ɒ/ and slightly more centralized /ɪ/ in the final syllable. Vowel shifts: US /ɒ/ often closer to /ɑ/, AU can be broader; rhoticity is generally absent in US / non-rhotic? but presence in connected speech varies. Consonants: /k/ and /pl/ cluster are consistent; ensure lips form a rounded /ɒ/ in the stressed syllable where applicable.
Accomplice comes from Old French accomplice, from the verb accomplicier meaning to trap or entangle, and from late Latin complicare meaning to fold together. The word entered English via medieval legal and criminal contexts, reflecting the notion of two or more people bound together in wrongdoing. The export of the prefix ad- and the Latin com- “together” plus placere “to please” is historically debated; etymologists generally trace the sense to someone who participates with another in an act, often with a connotation of cooperation in criminal enterprise. First attested in English around the 14th century, the term evolved from a generic “fellow worker” concept to a specific participant who shares culpability. Over time, “accomplice” retained legal associations, sharpening focus on joint action rather than mere association, aligning with terms like accessory or confederate in criminal law. Modern usage preserves the social nuance that an accomplice is not necessarily the principal offender but actively supports the wrongdoing. The word’s stability in spelling and pronunciation has helped it remain a staple in both criminological writing and everyday language.”,
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Accomplice" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Accomplice" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Accomplice" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Accomplice"
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
