How to pronounce formerly
Say it like FOR-mer-lee. Formerly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce formerly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FOR
- mer
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Formerly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- merKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of formerly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FAW-muh-lee.
What does formerly mean?
- at a previous time“at one time he loved her”“her erstwhile writing”
Where does formerly come from?
From former + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying formerly
How do you pronounce formerly?
Say FOR-mer-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɔrmɚli/. In British English it is /ˈfɔːməli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in formerly?
Formerly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR). Broken into parts: FOR · mer · lee.
Is formerly 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 /ˈfɔːməli/ (FAW-muh-lee).