How to pronounce earnestly
Say it like UR-nist-lee. Earnestly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce earnestly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UR
- nist
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Earnestly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- URSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- nistKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of earnestly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UR-nist-lee.
What does earnestly mean?
- In an earnest manner; being very sincere; putting forth genuine effort.
Where does earnestly come from?
From Middle English ernestly, from Old English eornostlīċe (“earnestly, strictly”), equivalent to earnest + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying earnestly
How do you pronounce earnestly?
Say UR-nist-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈɝnɪstli/. In British English it is /ˈɜːnɪstli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in earnestly?
Earnestly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UR). Broken into parts: UR · nist · lee.
Is earnestly 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 /ˈɜːnɪstli/ (UR-nist-lee).