How to pronounce ably
Say it like AY-blee. Ably has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AY).
- AY
- blee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ably pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- bleeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of ably
American and British speakers say ably in essentially the same way: /ˈeɪbli/ in the US and /ˈeɪbli/ in the UK.
British respelling: AY-blee.
What does ably mean?
- In an able manner; with great ability.“ably done, handled, planned, said”
Where does ably come from?
From Middle English abeliche, abelyche, abilliche, abliche; equivalent to able + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- competently
- aptly
- capably
Questions about saying ably
How do you pronounce ably?
Say AY-blee. The American pronunciation is /ˈeɪbli/. In British English it is /ˈeɪbli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ably?
Ably has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AY). Broken into parts: AY · blee.
Do Americans and Brits say ably the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈeɪbli/ and the British form is /ˈeɪbli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.