4 syllables: Com, pa, tri, ots. Stress on pa.
kuhm-PAY-tree-uhts
/kəˈmpeɪtɹiəts/
Compatriots is pronounced kuhm-PAY-tree-uhts (/kəˈmpeɪtɹiəts/). It has four syllables (Com-pa-tri-ots), with the stress on "pa". Compatriots is a plural noun meaning fellow citizens or countrymen, typically referring to people from one’s own country. The term often carries a sense of shared national identity and belonging, and is used in contexts ranging from formal discourse to political rhetoric. Pronunciation emphasizes the second syllable as a strong beat, with a clear final /s/ in plural usage.
nounCompatriots is a plural noun meaning fellow citizens or countrymen, typically referring to people from one’s own country. The term often carries a sense of shared national identity and belonging, and is used in contexts ranging from formal discourse to political rhetoric. Pronunciation emphasizes the second syllable as a strong beat, with a clear final /s/ in plural usage.
- Misplacing primary stress and blending syllables, e.g., saying com-pri-uh-tots. Fix by marking the third syllable as peak: com-prə-TAHY-ots, and practice with rhythm drills. - Failing to articulate /taɪ/ as a distinct diphthong; it can slide into /tə/ or /taɪə/. Practice with minimal pairs: taɪ vs tə; anchor the glide, then attach to -ots. - Dropping or voicing the final /s/; keep voiceless /s/ with a crisp release. Record yourself and compare to a dictionary audio; emphasize /ts/ at the end.
"The President spoke to his compatriots about the challenges ahead."
"During the emergency, her compatriots offered unwavering support."
"He was welcomed by his compatriots after the long journey."
Pronounce it as kom-pruh-TAHY-ots with primary stress on the third syllable: /ˌkɒm.prəˈtaɪ.ɒts/. Start with /k/ and /ɒ/ like ‘cot,’ then a schwa /ə/ in the second syllable, a strong /aɪ/ in the third, and finalize with /ɒts/. Think: “COM-pruh-TY-ots.” You’ll want a crisp /t/ and clear /s/ at the end. Audio reference: approximate reference from a standard dictionary audio source is suggested for exact cadence.
Common errors: 1) Misplacing the stress, saying com-PRIH-otz with wrong emphasis; fix by stressing the third syllable. 2) Slurring the /taɪ/ into /taɪoʊ/ or /taɪə/; keep a clean /aɪ/ sound. 3) Dropping the final /s/ or making it /z/; keep a voiceless /s/ at the end. Use slow practice with minimal pairs to cement the rhythm and ensure the /taɪ.ɒts/ cluster is distinct.
In US: /ˌkɒm.prəˈtaɪ.ɒts/ with rhoticity affecting the /r/ in /prə/; in UK: similar pattern but vowel qualities may be brighter and non-rhotic segments are less affected due to /r/ in post-vocalic context; in AU: vowels can be flatter and /ɒ/ often closer to /ɔː/ depending on speaker; overall stress remains on the third syllable, with crisp /t/ and final /s/.
Difficulties center on the unstressed second syllable /prə/ followed by the high-front diphthong /aɪ/ in /taɪ/. The sequence /təɪ/ can blur in rapid speech, and the final /ts/ cluster requires a clear voiceless release. Mastery comes from practicing the three-stressed-section cadence and ensuring crisp /t/ and /s/ without voicing the final consonant.
There is no silent letter in compatriots. Every letter has a phonetic value in standard speech: /ˌkɒm.prəˈtaɪ.ɒts/ has audible /k/, /ɒ/, /m/, /pr/, /ə/, /taɪ/, /ɒ/, /ts/. The challenge is not silent letters but correct stress placement and precision on the /t/ and final /s/.
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US: rhotic /r/ is less prominent in the /prə/ sequence; bright /ɒ/ may be closer to /ɑː/ in some speakers. UK: non-rhotic linking can influence the /r/; /ɒ/ can be a fuller back vowel, with the /taɪ/ close to /taɪ/. AU: vowels tend toward broader, more centralized qualities with less diphthong shifting; keep the /ɪ/ near center for /prəɪ/ and a clear /ts/ end. Across all, retain stress on the third syllable and crisp final consonant. IPA: /ˌkɒm.prəˈtaɪ.ɒts/ US, UK; /ˌkɒm.prɪˈtaɪ.ɒts/ AU. Useful cues: practice with slow-to-fast rhythm and mirror mouth positions to ensure consistent /taɪ/ and /ts/ articulation.
Compatriots comes from the French compatriotes, from Latin com- (with, together) + patriota (patriot), rooted in the Greek patriotes meaning ‘fellow countryman.’ The English adoption arrived via Anglophone political and literary usage in the 16th–17th centuries, paralleling terms like compatriot (singular) and its Latin/French precursors. The plural form gained traction as modern nation-states solidified national identities and discourse around collective belonging intensified. Early uses often framed compatriots within civic or military contexts, highlighting solidarity among citizens of the same polity. Over time, the word broadened to neutral or formal reference to fellow nationals, retained in both ceremonial and contemporary political rhetoric. First known uses appear in early modern English political writings and translations from continental Europe, with canonical appearances in treatises and speeches that discuss national unity and shared heritage. In current usage, compatriots frequently appears in formal speeches, editorial commentary, and international discourse, maintaining a slightly elevated register compared to everyday “countrymen.”
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Compatriots" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Compatriots"
-tes sounds
-ats sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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