How to pronounce expressly
Say it like ek-SPRES-lee. Expressly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPRES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce expressly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ek
- SPRES
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Expressly 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.
- SPRESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of expressly
American and British speakers say expressly in essentially the same way: /ɛkˈsprɛsli/ in the US and /ɛkˈsprɛsli/ in the UK.
British respelling: ek-SPRES-lee.
What does expressly mean?
- In an express or explicit manner; in a clear or specific manner.“We were expressly permitted to use the building. See – here is the note from the manager clearly stating that we have permission to use the building.”
- Exclusively or specifically.
Where does expressly come from?
From express + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying expressly
How do you pronounce expressly?
Say ek-SPRES-lee. The American pronunciation is /ɛkˈsprɛsli/. In British English it is /ɛkˈsprɛsli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in expressly?
Expressly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPRES). Broken into parts: ek · SPRES · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say expressly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɛkˈsprɛsli/ and the British form is /ɛkˈsprɛsli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.