How to pronounce exactly
Say it like ig-ZAKT-lee. Exactly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZAKT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce exactly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ig
- ZAKT
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Exactly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- igKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ZAKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of exactly
American and British speakers say exactly in essentially the same way: /ɪɡˈzæktli/ in the US and /ɪɡˈzæktli/ in the UK.
British respelling: ig-ZAKT-lee.
What does exactly mean?
- indicating exactness or preciseness“he was doing precisely (or exactly) what she had told him to do”“it was just as he said--the jewel was gone”
- just as it should be“`Precisely, my lord,' he said”
- in a precise manner“she always expressed herself precisely”
Where does exactly come from?
From exact + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with exactly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of exactly.
Questions about saying exactly
How do you pronounce exactly?
Say ig-ZAKT-lee. The American pronunciation is /ɪɡˈzæktli/. In British English it is /ɪɡˈzæktli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in exactly?
Exactly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZAKT). Broken into parts: ig · ZAKT · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say exactly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪɡˈzæktli/ and the British form is /ɪɡˈzæktli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.