How to pronounce carelessly
Say it like KAIR-luh-slee. Carelessly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce carelessly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAIR
- luh
- slee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Carelessly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- luhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- sleeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of carelessly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAIR-luh-slee.
What does carelessly mean?
- Giving the appearance of carelessness; relaxedly.“The papers were carelessly strewn on the table.”
- Done without care or attention; inattentively.“Distracted by the salesperson, he carelessly read the contract.”
Where does carelessly come from?
From careless + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying carelessly
How do you pronounce carelessly?
Say KAIR-luh-slee. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɛrləsli/. In British English it is /ˈkɛələsli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in carelessly?
Carelessly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAIR). Broken into parts: KAIR · luh · slee.
Is carelessly pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkɛələsli/ (KAIR-luh-slee).