How to pronounce alone
Say it like uh-LOHN. Alone has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LOHN).
- uh
- LOHN
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alone pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LOHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of alone
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: uh-LOHN.
What does alone mean?
- By oneself, solitary.“I can't ask for help because I am alone.”
- Not involved in a romantic relationship.
- Lacking peers who share one's beliefs, experiences, practices, etc.“Senator Craddock wants to abolish the estate tax, and she's not alone.”
- By oneself; apart from, or exclusive of, others; solo.“She walked home alone.”
- Without outside help.“The job was too hard for me to do alone.”
- Not permitting anything further; exclusively.“The president alone has the power to initiate a nuclear launch.”
Where does alone come from?
From Middle English allone, from earlier all oon (literally “all one”), contracted from the Old English phrase eall ān (“completely alone”), equivalent to al- (“all”) + one.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with alone
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of alone.
Questions about saying alone
How do you pronounce alone?
Say uh-LOHN. The American pronunciation is /əˈloʊn/. In British English it is /əˈləʊn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alone?
Alone has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LOHN). Broken into parts: uh · LOHN.
Is alone pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /əˈləʊn/ (uh-LOHN).