2 syllables: Com, et. Stress on Com.
KAH-muht
/ˈkɑmət/
Comet is pronounced KAH-muht (/ˈkɑmət/). It has two syllables (Com-et), with the stress on "Com". Comet is a small, icy Solar System body that travels through space, often displaying a luminous coma and tail when heated near the Sun. The term can also refer to a historical or fictional object named after this celestial phenomenon. In everyday use, it denotes anything bright and streaking, or a brand or project named “Comet.” (2-4 sentences, 50-80 words).
nounComet is a small, icy Solar System body that travels through space, often displaying a luminous coma and tail when heated near the Sun. The term can also refer to a historical or fictional object named after this celestial phenomenon. In everyday use, it denotes anything bright and streaking, or a brand or project named “Comet.” (2-4 sentences, 50-80 words).
"During the ancient voyage, a bright comet appeared in the sky, inspiring awe among sailors."
"The scientist announced that a new comet would be visible with the naked eye tonight."
"A famous software company launched a new feature named Comet to streamline data processing."
You pronounce it COM-et, with two syllables and primary stress on the first. IPA: US/UK/AU ˈkɒm.ɪt. Start with /k/ followed by /ɒ/ (open back rounded vowel as in ‘con’), then /m/ with the lips closed, a short schwa-ish /ə/ or /ɪ/ in the second syllable depending on speaker, and end with /t/. Ensure the first syllable is emphasized and held slightly longer than the second.
Common errors: over-suppressing the second vowel so it sounds like /kɒmɪt/ with a reduced or ignored second vowel; replacing /ɒ/ with /ɔ/ or /ɑː/ in some dialects; and softening the final /t/ into a glottal stop. Correction tips: keep the /ɒ/ in the first syllable distinct, articulate a clear /ɪ/ or schwa in the second, and finish with a crisp /t/—avoid replacing it with a stop or a flap.
In General American, COM-et uses /ˈkɒm.ɪt/ with /ɒ/ as an open back vowel; in many US speakers, this may shift toward /ɔ/ or a closer /ɑ/ depending on regional vowel shifts. In UK English, you typically hear /ˈkɒm.ɪt/ with a short /ɒ/ similar to ‘lot.’ Australian English mirrors UK vowel quality but often with a shorter, crisper /ɪ/ in the second syllable and a more fronted /ˈkɒm.ɪt/.
Two main challenges: the first syllable requires a precise /ɒ/ quality and the second syllable uses a brief /ɪ/ or /ə/ that must be distinct from the first vowel; many speakers blend vowels or shorten the second syllable, making it sound like /ˈkɒmət/ or /ˈkɒmɪt/ with weakened final consonant. Achieve clarity by isolating each vowel, then blending quickly into a two-syllable rhythm.
A unique aspect is maintaining a clean separation between the syllables, especially in careful speech: /ˈkɒm.ɪt/ has a deliberate pause-like boundary between /m/ and /ɪ/. Some speakers may insert a tiny schwa near the boundary in rapid speech, but precise articulation keeps /ɪ/ clear and the /t/ released. This makes the two-syllable rhythm tangible in listening and imitation.
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Comet derives from the Latin cometes, which itself comes from the Greek kometes (kometes), meaning “long-haired star,” from komē meaning “hair” and aster meaning “star.” The term entered English via Middle French comete and Old French comete, influenced by the traditional belief that comets were heavenly beings with luminous tails. Historically, comets were often interpreted as omens; in astronomy, their classification shifted as knowledge of solar system bodies expanded in the 16th–18th centuries. The word first appears in English in the 14th century, with earlier Greek references in Renaissance treatises. Over time, “comet” has also entered metaphorically to describe something brilliant and transient, such as a comet’s tail or a spectacular, short-lived success. Modern usage covers both the astronomical object and metaphorical brightness in technology, culture, and branding.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Comet" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Comet" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Comet"
-eat sounds
-eet sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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