How to pronounce "compile"

compile

Noun
American
[kəmˈpaɪl]

Syllable Breakdown

com pile

How natives say compile

British
[kəmˈpaɪl]

Syllable Breakdown

com pile

How natives say compile

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Begin with the 'k' sound by placing the back of your tongue against the roof of your mouth.

  • Move to the schwa 'ə', which is a relaxed, neutral sound.

  • End with 'pail' as 'paɪl', making sure to stretch the 'aɪ' sound.

Common Mistakes

  • Mistaking the 'k' sound as 'g' (gom-pile)

  • Using the short 'i' ([ɪ]) instead of 'aɪ' (com-pill)

  • Forgetting the 'l' sound at the end (com-pi)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • same as American

common mistakes

  • same as American

FAQ

Why is the 'o' in 'compile' pronounced as a schwa?

The 'o' is in an unstressed syllable, so it becomes a schwa sound.

Should 'pile' be one or two syllables?

'Pile' is one syllable with a diphthong 'aɪ' sound.

How to avoid missing the 'l' sound?

Emphasize curling your tongue tip slightly to make the 'l' at the end.

Definition

compile

To gather or put together items into a list or document.

Word Family

compiler

[kəmˈpaɪlər]

noun

A person or program that compiles.

Example: The compiler helps make the software.

compilation

[ˌkɑːmpɪˈleɪʃən]

noun

The act of compiling.

Example: I am working on a compilation of songs.

compile

[kəmˈpaɪl]

verb

Put together items.

Example: He will compile the results.

Key Pronunciation Differences

'Compiler' has an extra syllable and ends with '-ler'.

'Compilation' includes '-ley' (ˌkɑːmpɪˈleɪʃən), so pronounce clearly.

Same word, different meaning and context.

Pro Tips

Practice the schwa

Identify the schwa in words to improve your pronunciation naturally.

Diphthong clarity

Make sure to pronounce both parts of the diphthong ('aɪ') clearly.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Compile

ability

/əˈbɪləti/

accessory

/əkˈsɛsəri/

adapt

/əˈdæpt/

adjust

/əˈdʒʌst/

advance

/ədˈvæns/

also

/ˈɔl.soʊ/

alter

/ˈɔltər/

apparatus

/ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

adjoin

abroad

agenda