How to pronounce alternately
Say it like AWL-ter-nut-lee. Alternately has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AWL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce alternately. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AWL
- ter
- nut
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alternately pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AWLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- nutKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of alternately
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: awl-TUH-nut-lee.
What does alternately mean?
- In reciprocal succession; succeeding by turns; in alternate order.“Driving downtown is restricted to bikes with odd and even license plate numbers alternately by day of the month.”
- By alternation; when, in a proportion, the antecedent term is compared with antecedent, and consequent.
- Alternatively.
Where does alternately come from?
From alternate + -ly.
Questions about saying alternately
How do you pronounce alternately?
Say AWL-ter-nut-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈɔltɚnətli/. In British English it is /ɔlˈtənətliː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alternately?
Alternately has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AWL). Broken into parts: AWL · ter · nut · lee.
Is alternately pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 2. The British form is /ɔlˈtənətliː/ (awl-TUH-nut-lee).