3 syllables: co, mi, cal. Stress on co.
KAH-mik-uhl
/ˈkɑmɪkəl/
comical is pronounced KAH-mik-uhl (/ˈkɑmɪkəl/). It has three syllables (co-mi-cal), with the stress on "co". Comical describes something intended to be amusing or funny, often involving humorous situations or characters. It conveys a lighthearted, entertaining quality, sometimes with a gently ironic edge. In everyday use, it can also imply a degree of playful exaggeration in behavior or presentation.
Comical describes something intended to be amusing or funny, often involving humorous situations or characters. It conveys a lighthearted, entertaining quality, sometimes with a gently ironic edge. In everyday use, it can also imply a degree of playful exaggeration in behavior or presentation.
"Her impression of the boss was comical, making the meeting unexpectedly entertaining."
"The comedian's routine was full of comical anecdotes about everyday life."
"The movie's plot grew comical as the misunderstandings escalated."
Say COM-i-cal with the primary stress on the first syllable: /ˈkɒmɪkəl/ in UK English or /ˈkɒmɪkəl/ US; in American content it’s /kəˈmɪkəl/ when the word is part of a larger phrase, but the head-stress remains on the first syllable for the base adjective. Visualize three short syllables: KOH-mih-kuhl, making sure the second syllable has light schwa-ish quality and the final syllable ends with a clear -l. See audio examples on Pronounce or Forvo for nuance.
Common errors include reducing the first syllable too much (kə-mick-uhl instead of KOM-ih-kəl) and slurring the final -cal into -kul. Another mistake is treating it as com-PICK-al or kom-ih-CAL with misplaced stress. Correct by emphasizing the first syllable pitch and keeping the ending as -əl rather than a crisp -l or full -al; practice with a three-beat rhythm: COM-mi-cal, and use minimal pairs with non-stress words.
In US and UK, the base pronunciation centers on /ˈkɒmɪkəl/ with first-syllable stress. US often features a lighter, schwa-like central vowel in the second syllable (ə) and a more relaxed final /əl/. UK tends toward a slightly more rounded /ɒ/ in the first vowel and clearer /əl/ at the end. Australian variants align with non-rhotic tendencies and reduced final syllable; watch for vowel quality shift in /ɒ/ and /ɪ/.
The difficulty lies in maintaining three distinct syllables with stable stress: the opening /ˈkɒ/ or /kəˈmɪ/ must be clearly separated from the mid /mɪ/ and final /kəl/. Many speakers compress the second or third syllable or misplace the primary stress, making it sound like /ˈkɒməkəl/ or /ˈkoʊməl/. Practicing with slow, articulated enunciation helps keep each segment crisp while preserving natural flow.
The unique feature is the stress pattern and the mid-syllable vowel reduction: the second syllable tends to be a reduced vowel (schwa) in fluent speech, while the first syllable carries primary stress. Pay attention to the transition from the stressed vowel to the reduced mid vowel, and ensure the final -cal retains a distinct but not heavily aspirated -əl. IPA landmarks: US /ˈkɒmɪkəl/ or /kəˈmɪkəl/; UK /ˈkɒmɪk(ə)l/; AU /ˈkɒmɪkəl/.
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US: Rely on a flatter, more nasal vowel in the second syllable and a lighter final -əl. UK: Slightly more rounded first vowel /ɒ/ and crisper final /əl/. AU: Non-rhotic tendencies; the final -l can be softer or slightly vowel-like depending on speaker; aim for /ˈkɒmɪk(ə)l/ with relaxed lip rounding. IPA guides: /ˈkɒmɪkəl/ (UK/US), /ˈkɒmɪk(ə)l/ (AU).
Comical comes from the Middle French comique, from Latin comicus (of or for theatrical comedy), which itself derives from Greek komikos, meaning “pertaining to Komos (a revel, a festive procession) or comedy.” The element -ical is a productive English suffix forming adjectives meaning “having the characteristics of.” The transition from theatrical/comedic origins to everyday usage retains a sense of humor that is light, entertaining, and sometimes mildly satirical. The first English attestations to describe something by its comedic nature appear in Early Modern English, aligning with broader adoption of French and Latin roots in lexical items connected to art, theater, and humor. Over time, comical broadened from strictly theatrical humor to general descriptions of amusing behavior, situations, and appearances in prose and film, while still often implying a gentle, not biting, humor. Modern uses emphasize lightness and visual humor, and in some contexts can carry a slight ironic undertone, as in “comical in its overtness.”
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "comical" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "comical" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "comical"
-cal sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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