How to pronounce courtly
Say it like KORT-lee. Courtly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KORT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce courtly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KORT
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Courtly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KORTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of courtly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAWT-lee.
What does courtly mean?
- Befitting of a royal court; reflecting the manners or behavior of people at court; stately, rich or fine, and so suitable for a royal court.“He swept off his hat and made a deep courtly bow.”
- Of or relating to courtly love or courtship.
- Of or relating to a royal court.“She tried to remain aloof from courtly intrigues.”
- In the manner of a royal court; in a manner befitting of a royal court.
Where does courtly come from?
From Middle English courtly, equivalent to court + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with courtly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of courtly.
Questions about saying courtly
How do you pronounce courtly?
Say KORT-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɔrtli/. In British English it is /ˈkɔːtli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in courtly?
Courtly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KORT). Broken into parts: KORT · lee.
Is courtly 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 /ˈkɔːtli/ (KAWT-lee).