3 syllables: com, pri, ses. Stress on pri.
kuhm-PREYE-zuhz
/kəmˈpɹaɪzəz/
comprises is pronounced kuhm-PREYE-zuhz (/kəmˈpɹaɪzəz/). It has three syllables (com-pri-ses), with the stress on "pri". The word 'comprises' is a verb that means to consist of or to be made up of certain parts or elements. It is often used to describe the composition of something larger, indicating that the parts form a whole. For example, one might say, "The committee comprises five members," signifying that those five members make up the entire committee.
The word 'comprises' is a verb that means to consist of or to be made up of certain parts or elements. It is often used to describe the composition of something larger, indicating that the parts form a whole. For example, one might say, "The committee comprises five members," signifying that those five members make up the entire committee.
Common pronunciation errors with 'comprises' often stem from regional accents and non-native speaker tendencies. It's important to address these mistakes early in the learning process: • **Incorrect stress placement**: Many learners emphasize the first syllable instead of the second. Remember, the stress is on the second syllable: /prɪ/. • **Not linking sounds**: When saying phrases like "The team comprises", it can become slurred, sounding like "The teamcomprizes". Focus on clear and distinct articulation of each syllable. • **Vowel sound confusion**: The first syllable uses a schwa (/ə/), which can be confused with a full vowel. Practice understanding and producing the schwa sound accurately, as this influences naturalness. • **Ending mispronunciation**: The ending '-izes' should always be voiced correctly, ensuring the sound "/z/" is audible. • **Compounding mistakes in rapid speech**: In conversational settings, the sound quality can blend. Practice slowing down your speech to capture each sound distinctly initially, eventually reaching your regular speaking speed. Encourage learners to listen to native speakers and practice repeating phrases to build fluency and accuracy. The key is to be patient with your self-correction process; everyone makes pronunciation mistakes, and they're an opportunity for improvement!
"The team comprises experts from various fields, enhancing the quality of our project."
"The book comprises several chapters that explore different aspects of history."
"Her presentation comprises engaging visuals and insightful data."
The word 'comprises' is pronounced as /kəmˈpraɪzɪz/ in US English, where the stress is on the second syllable. In both UK and Australian pronunciations, it is similar: /kəmˈpraɪzɪz/. Note the vowel quality in the first syllable—it's a schwa sound, which sounds like 'uh'. The 'prize' part is pronounced clearly, emphasizing the 'i' sound before the 'z' ending.
Common mistakes when pronouncing 'comprises' include slurring the syllables together or incorrectly stressing the first syllable. Non-native speakers often interchange the vowel sounds, rendering 'comprises' as 'compris' or emphasize the first syllable too heavily, leading to confusion. It's essential to maintain the stress on the second syllable and articulate each syllable distinctly, especially the ending '-izes'.
In US, UK, and AU accents, 'comprises' is pronounced similarly as /kəmˈpraɪzɪz/, with the primary distinction being intonation and slight variations in vowel length. For example, UK speakers might pronounce the 'i' in 'prize' a bit more clipped compared to the broader articulation in US English. In Australian English, the vowels are slightly more pronounced but retain the same overall structure as in British and American pronunciations.
Mastering the pronunciation of 'comprises' is crucial due to its frequent use in formal and academic contexts, where clarity is essential. Mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings regarding composition or inclusion. Properly stating phrases like 'the committee comprises...' is vital to communicate clearly and accurately the relationships between parts and wholes, reinforcing the confidence in your speech.
In phrases, 'comprises' can undergo some sound linking with preceding words, where the final sound of the preceding word may blend into the initial sound of 'comprises'. This often happens in rapid speech, making it sound like 'compri's' or 'compri-sis' due to natural fluency patterns. Awareness of such variations can be key for both speaking and understanding spoken English.
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Understanding the differences in pronunciation across US, UK, and Australian accents for 'comprises' can greatly enhance comprehension for learners: • **US Accent**: The American pronunciation is /kəmˈpraɪzɪz/, where the first syllable has a schwa sound, and the second syllable is stressed. American accents may exhibit more flexibility in vowel sounds. • **UK Accent**: In British English, while the phonetic structure remains similar: /kəmˈpraɪzɪz/, variations might occur in the 'i' sound, with clearer pronunciation. The rhythm can also be a bit more clipped, making it sound slightly sharper. • **AU Accent**: Australian pronunciation also adheres to /kəmˈpraɪzɪz/, but with a distinctive diphthong in 'prize' that is more pronounced than in British and American accents. The final /z/ might be softer than in other dialects. • **Vowel Quality Differences**: Note the vowel length and quality between these accents, especially in the critical 'i' sounds, which can subtly change meaning or clarity. Practice by recording your own speaking alongside native speakers to identify discrepancies. • **Rhoticity**: While 'comprises' does not contain an 'r' to affect rhoticity, being aware of linked words and how 'r' sounds in phrases can be beneficial for overall clarity. In rhotic accents like American English, ensure you pronounce final 'r' sounds clearly. Focusing on these elements can help learners adapt their pronunciations based on contextual usage, making their speaking more diverse and robust.
The word 'comprises' originates from the Latin verb 'comprehendere', which means 'to seize or take together'. It evolved through Old French 'compris', the past participle of 'comprende', into Middle English as 'comprise'. The transition to its current form occurred in the mid-15th century as English adopted a wide range of Latin and French influences. The modern meaning has narrowed to specifically imply that something is made up of parts, contrasting with the traditional use of 'comprise' to mean 'to include'. Its first known use was recorded in 1481, highlighting the long-standing presence of the word in the English language, reflecting the integration of different elements to form a whole.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "comprises" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "comprises" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "comprises"
-ses sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
