2 syllables: com, ments. Stress on com.
KAH-ments
/ˈkɑmɛnts/
comments is pronounced KAH-ments (/ˈkɑmɛnts/). It has two syllables (com-ments), with the stress on "com". Comments refers to remarks or observations made about something, typically offered in response or critique. It can also function as a verb form in phrases like “comments on” where someone provides feedback. The term commonly appears in digital discussions, journalism, and collaborative work where readers or participants share opinions or notes.
Comments refers to remarks or observations made about something, typically offered in response or critique. It can also function as a verb form in phrases like “comments on” where someone provides feedback. The term commonly appears in digital discussions, journalism, and collaborative work where readers or participants share opinions or notes.
"The teacher wrote comments on each student’s essay to highlight strengths and areas for improvement."
"Readers posted comments beneath the article to share their perspectives."
"Please add your comments to the document before we finalize the policy."
You pronounce it as /ˈkɒm.ents/ in US and UK English, with the primary stress on the first syllable: KOM-ents. The /ɒ/ vowel is the short open o sound as in ‘hot’ for many accents, followed by a clear /m/ and a stressed /k/ onset, finishing with /ənts/ or /ənts/ depending on the speaker. In fast speech, the /ɒ/ can reduce slightly toward /ɒ/ or a schwa in some American varieties, but the stressed first syllable keeps the rhythm. Listen for the crisp /k/ release and the final /s/ sound. Mouth position: start with rounded lips for the /k/ release? Actually, lips are neutral, with back of tongue raised for /k/, then mid tongue for /m/, then front vowels for /ɒ/ and /ə/.
Common errors include slurring the syllables in fast speech or pronouncing the first syllable as ‘komm-ents’ with an overlong /o/ or misplacing stress. Another frequent slip is pronouncing the final syllable with a strong /t/ or /d/ instead of a crisp /nts/ cluster; keep the final -ments with an unstressed /ənts/ quality and a clear s sound. To correct: practice the /ˈkɒm/ onset with a short, clipped /k/ plus a light /m/, then release into /ənts/ with a quick but not forced /n/ before /ts/.
In US, UK, and AU, the first syllable carries primary stress: /ˈkɒm/ with a short, rounded /ɒ/ or /ɑ/ depending on the speaker. Differences lie in rhoticity and vowel quality: US speakers often produce a rhotacized or clearer /ɹ/ in other words, but with /kɒm/ the /ɒ/ may shift toward /ɑ/ in some dialects; the final /ts/ or /s/ is typically crisp in all. UK speakers may have tighter vowels and less rhoticity in some southern dialects, while Australian English retains a near-schwa in unstressed syllables and can show slight vowel raising in /ɒ/ toward /ɒː/ in some regions. Overall, the rhythm stays trochaic with slight vowel shifts.
The challenge lies in the final cluster /-nts/ after an unstressed second syllable. Many learners insert a full vowel before the /n/ or mispronounce the /t/ as a separate aspirated stop; the correct sequence is tied: the /n/ immediately precedes the voiceless alveolar /t/ that merges into the /s/ sound, producing /-nts/ with a subtle nasal release. Also maintaining stress on the first syllable while keeping the second syllable light can be difficult in continuous speech.
Think in terms of syllable shapes and tempo. Start with slow, deliberate pronunciation: /ˈkɒm.ents/. Then practice linking: the final /m/ and initial /e/ of the next word (if any) should glide smoothly. Use a light, almost whispered /s/ at the end rather than a strong hiss. Shadow native speech by repeating sentences with natural pace, focusing on the transition between /m/ and /ə/ and the crisp /ts/ at the end. Recording yourself helps you hear if the /t/ and /s/ blend correctly.
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The word comments comes from the verb comment, which derives from Old French commenter, from Latin commentari, from com- (together, with) and mentarius (a commentator), related to mentum (mind). The concept of expressing an opinion or remark traces to Latin commentum, meaning a device for thinking or training the mind, and to the noun sense of a remark or annotation in medieval manuscript culture. In English, comment as a noun has long carried the meaning of a remark or observation, especially one official or public (as in “editorial comment” or “reader comments”). The modern plural comments gained traction with the rise of written discourse and online platforms where multiple remarks are posted in response to a piece of text. First known use in English dates to the 15th century in senses related to explanations or annotations, evolving through Middle English to the contemporary sense of public feedback. Over time, the word broadened to include verbal remarks, editorial notes, and user-generated responses, reflecting its role in discourse, critique, and community dialogue.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "comments" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "comments" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "comments"
-ent sounds
-nts sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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