How to pronounce essentially
Say it like eh-SEN-shuh-lee. Essentially has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce essentially. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- eh
- SEN
- shuh
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Essentially pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ehKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- SENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of essentially
American and British speakers say essentially in essentially the same way: /ɛˈsɛnʃəli/ in the US and /ɪˈsɛnʃəli/ in the UK.
British respelling: ih-SEN-shuh-lee.
What does essentially mean?
- in essence; at bottom or by one's (or its) very nature“He is basically dishonest”“the argument was essentially a technical one”
Where does essentially come from?
From essential + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with essentially
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of essentially.
Questions about saying essentially
How do you pronounce essentially?
Say eh-SEN-shuh-lee. The American pronunciation is /ɛˈsɛnʃəli/. In British English it is /ɪˈsɛnʃəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in essentially?
Essentially has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEN). Broken into parts: eh · SEN · shuh · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say essentially the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɛˈsɛnʃəli/ and the British form is /ɪˈsɛnʃəli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.