How to pronounce directly
Say it like duh-REKT-lee. Directly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (REKT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce directly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- duh
- REKT
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Directly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- REKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of directly
American and British speakers say directly in essentially the same way: /dəˈrɛktli/ in the US and /daɪˈrɛktli/ in the UK.
British respelling: dy-REKT-lee.
What does directly mean?
- without deviation“the path leads directly to the lake”“went direct to the office”
- without anyone or anything intervening“these two factors are directly related”“he was directly responsible”
- without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening“he answered immediately”“found an answer straightaway”
Where does directly come from?
From direct + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with directly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of directly.
Questions about saying directly
How do you pronounce directly?
Say duh-REKT-lee. The American pronunciation is /dəˈrɛktli/. In British English it is /daɪˈrɛktli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in directly?
Directly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (REKT). Broken into parts: duh · REKT · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say directly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dəˈrɛktli/ and the British form is /daɪˈrɛktli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.