How to pronounce gingerly
Say it like JIN-jer-lee. Gingerly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gingerly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- JIN
- jer
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gingerly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- JINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- jerKeep 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 gingerly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: JIN-juh-lee.
What does gingerly mean?
- Often of movements: very careful, cautious, or delicate.
- In a cautious and delicate manner; (very) carefully or cautiously.“He placed the glass jar gingerly on the concrete step.”
Where does gingerly come from?
The adjective is derived from the adverb, possibly because -ly is also a suffix forming adjectives.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying gingerly
How do you pronounce gingerly?
Say JIN-jer-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈdʒɪndʒɚli/. In British English it is /ˈdʒɪndʒəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gingerly?
Gingerly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JIN). Broken into parts: JIN · jer · lee.
Is gingerly 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 /ˈdʒɪndʒəli/ (JIN-juh-lee).