How to pronounce generally
Say it like JEN-uh-ruh-lee. Generally has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce generally. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- JEN
- uh
- ruh
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Generally pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- JENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of generally
American and British speakers say generally in essentially the same way: /ˈdʒɛnərəli/ in the US and /ˈdʒɛnərəli/ in the UK.
British respelling: JEN-uh-ruh-lee.
What does generally mean?
- usually; as a rule“by and large it doesn't rain much here”
- without distinction of one from others“he is interested in snakes in general”
- without regard to specific details or exceptions“he interprets the law broadly”
Where does generally come from?
From Middle English generally, generalliche, equivalent to general + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying generally
How do you pronounce generally?
Say JEN-uh-ruh-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈdʒɛnərəli/. In British English it is /ˈdʒɛnərəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in generally?
Generally has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JEN). Broken into parts: JEN · uh · ruh · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say generally the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdʒɛnərəli/ and the British form is /ˈdʒɛnərəli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.