How to pronounce elderly
Say it like EL-der-lee. Elderly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce elderly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EL
- der
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Elderly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of elderly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: EL-duh-lee.
What does elderly mean?
- advanced in years; (aged is pronounced as two syllables)“aged members of the society”“elderly residents could remember the construction of the first skyscraper”
- people who are old collectively“special arrangements were available for the aged”
Where does elderly come from?
From elder + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying elderly
How do you pronounce elderly?
Say EL-der-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛldɚli/. In British English it is /ˈɛldəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in elderly?
Elderly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EL). Broken into parts: EL · der · lee.
Is elderly 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 /ˈɛldəli/ (EL-duh-lee).