How to pronounce expensively
Say it like ek-SPEN-siv-lee. Expensively has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce expensively. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ek
- SPEN
- siv
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Expensively pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ekKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- SPENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- sivKeep 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 expensively
American and British speakers say expensively in essentially the same way: /ɛkˈspɛnsɪvli/ in the US and /ɛkˈspɛnsɪvli/ in the UK.
British respelling: ek-SPEN-siv-lee.
What does expensively mean?
- In an expensive manner.
Where does expensively come from?
From expensive + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with expensively
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of expensively.
Questions about saying expensively
How do you pronounce expensively?
Say ek-SPEN-siv-lee. The American pronunciation is /ɛkˈspɛnsɪvli/. In British English it is /ɛkˈspɛnsɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in expensively?
Expensively has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEN). Broken into parts: ek · SPEN · siv · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say expensively the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɛkˈspɛnsɪvli/ and the British form is /ɛkˈspɛnsɪvli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.