2 syllables: Com, merce. Stress on Com.
KAH-murs
/ˈkɑmɚs/
Commerce is pronounced KAH-murs (/ˈkɑmɚs/). It has two syllables (Com-merce), with the stress on "Com". Commerce (noun) refers to the activity of buying and selling, especially on a large scale. It encompasses trade, markets, and the systems, laws, and practices that enable the exchange of goods and services. It can also denote commercial life or business activity generally. The term often implies organized, economic exchange beyond individual transactions.
nounCommerce (noun) refers to the activity of buying and selling, especially on a large scale. It encompasses trade, markets, and the systems, laws, and practices that enable the exchange of goods and services. It can also denote commercial life or business activity generally. The term often implies organized, economic exchange beyond individual transactions.
"Global commerce drives international supply chains and economic policy."
"The university hosts seminars on e-commerce and digital commerce platforms."
"Local commerce has shifted toward online marketplaces and curbside pickup."
Commerce is pronounced COM-merce with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA US: /ˈkɑːmərs/ or /ˈkɒmərs/ depending on dialect; UK: /ˈkɒm.ɜːs/; AU: /ˈkɒm.ɜːs/. The tricky part is the second syllable, which contains a schwa or reduced vowel in many dialects. Visualize starting with 'kom' then a quick, lighter 'mers' sound. Listen for the short, crisp 'mer' before the final 's'.
Common errors include over-emphasizing the second syllable, saying /ˈkom.ɛrs/ with a clear 'e', or inserting an extra 'r' sound. Some speakers Bah-attach a 'r' after the first syllable (/ˈkɑːmərz/), which alters the rhythm. The best correction is to keep the second syllable weak (schwa) and end strongly on /s/: /ˈkɒmərs/ or /ˈkɔːmərs/ depending on your accent. Practice by isolating the first syllable (COM) and keeping the second syllable light.
In US English, first syllable often rhymes with 'bomb' (ˈkɑːmərs) with a reduced second syllable. UK English typically /ˈkɒm.ɜːs/ with a clearer middle vowel and non-rhoticity affecting the 'r' in some dialects. Australian English tends toward /ˈkɒm.ɜːs/ with similar non-rhotic tendencies but with a more centralized vowel in the first syllable. Across all accents, the key is a short, unstressed second syllable and an ending /s/.
The challenge lies in the reduction of the second syllable to a schwa and maintaining a clean, brief final /s/. Many learners also misplace the primary stress or substitute a more open vowel in the first syllable. Distinguishing /ˈkɒm/ from /ˈkɔː/ and avoiding a drawn-out vowel in the second syllable helps. Focusing on a compact 'mer' rather than an elongated 'mer' makes the word sound natural in fluent speech.
Place the tongue high-mid for /ɒ/ or /ɔː/ depending on accent, then lightly raise the tip for /m/ without lip rounding. For the second syllable, keep the schwa relaxed, with the tongue in a neutral position and minimal jaw movement before final /s/. The mouth should form a quick, closed position for the final /s/. Practicing the sequence COM-merce with a short, clipped ending reinforces natural, efficient production.
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US: Non-rhotic tendencies are less pronounced in some regions; /ˈkɑː.mɚz/ with a pronounced rhotic /ɚ/ in the second syllable in many dialects. UK: /ˈkɒm.ɜːs/ with a stronger centering vowel in the second syllable and less consonant intrusion; AU: /ˈkɒm.ɜːs/ similar to UK but with a more open first vowel and a slightly longer /ɜː/ in the second syllable. Emphasize a short, clipped first syllable and a reduced second syllable; keep final /s/ crisp. IPA references: US /ˈkɑː.mɚz/ or /ˈkɒm.ɚs/, UK /ˈkɒm.ɜːs/, AU /ˈkɒm.ɜːs/.
Commerce originates from the Old French commerces, from Latin commercium meaning trade or mercantile activity. Commer- derives from com- (together) and merx (merchandise, goods). The term entered English in the late Middle Ages, aligning with the growth of markets, fairs, and merchant guilds in medieval Europe. Over centuries, commerce broadened from local trade to include international exchange, maritime commerce, and modern economic systems. The word has retained its core sense of exchange of goods for value, while its domain expanded with capitalism and globalization. In the 18th–19th centuries, commerce became closely associated with mercantile law, commercial legislation, and the rise of international trade organizations, shaping how economies regulate and facilitate commerce across nations.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Commerce" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Commerce" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Commerce"
-mer sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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