How to pronounce closely
Say it like KLOH-slee. Closely has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLOH).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈkloʊsli/KLOH-slee
UK British/ˈkləʊsli/KLOH-slee
- KLOH
- slee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Closely pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KLOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- sleeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of closely
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: KLOH-slee.
What does closely mean?
adverb
- In a close manner.“Finnish and Estonian are closely related languages.”
Where does closely come from?
From close + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with closely
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of closely.
Questions about saying closely
How do you pronounce closely?
Say KLOH-slee. The American pronunciation is /ˈkloʊsli/. In British English it is /ˈkləʊsli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in closely?
Closely has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLOH). Broken into parts: KLOH · slee.
Is closely 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 /ˈkləʊsli/ (KLOH-slee).