How to pronounce certainly
Say it like SUR-tun-lee. Certainly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce certainly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUR
- tun
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Certainly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- tunKeep 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 certainly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: SUR-tun-lee.
What does certainly mean?
- definitely or positively (sure is sometimes used informally for surely)“the results are surely encouraging”“she certainly is a hard worker”
Where does certainly come from?
From Middle English certeynly; equivalent to certain + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying certainly
How do you pronounce certainly?
Say SUR-tun-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɝtənli/. In British English it is /ˈsɜːtənli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in certainly?
Certainly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR). Broken into parts: SUR · tun · lee.
Is certainly 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 /ˈsɜːtənli/ (SUR-tun-lee).