How to pronounce firmly
Say it like FURM-lee. Firmly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FURM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce firmly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FURM
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Firmly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FURMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of firmly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FURM-lee.
What does firmly mean?
- with resolute determination“we firmly believed it”“you must stand firm”
- in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger“she held the child securely”
- with firmness“held hard to the railing”
Where does firmly come from?
From Middle English fermely; equivalent to firm + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying firmly
How do you pronounce firmly?
Say FURM-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɝmli/. In British English it is /ˈfɜːmli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in firmly?
Firmly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FURM). Broken into parts: FURM · lee.
Is firmly 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 /ˈfɜːmli/ (FURM-lee).