How to pronounce covertly
Say it like koh-VURT-lee. Covertly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VURT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce covertly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- koh
- VURT
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Covertly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- VURTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of covertly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: koh-VURT-lee.
What does covertly mean?
- In a covert manner, secretly.
Where does covertly come from?
From Middle English covertli, equivalent to covert + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with covertly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of covertly.
Questions about saying covertly
How do you pronounce covertly?
Say koh-VURT-lee. The American pronunciation is /koʊˈvɝtli/. In British English it is /kəʊˈvɜːtli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in covertly?
Covertly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VURT). Broken into parts: koh · VURT · lee.
Is covertly 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 /kəʊˈvɜːtli/ (koh-VURT-lee).