How to pronounce gnarly
Say it like NAR-lee. Gnarly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gnarly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NAR
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gnarly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of gnarly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: NAH-lee.
What does gnarly mean?
- Having or characterized by gnarls; gnarled.“a gnarly stump”
- Excellent; attractive.“a gnarly dude”
- Dangerous; difficult.“a gnarly problem”
Where does gnarly come from?
From gnarl (“knot in wood”) + -y.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with gnarly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of gnarly.
Questions about saying gnarly
How do you pronounce gnarly?
Say NAR-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈnɑrli/. In British English it is /ˈnɑːli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gnarly?
Gnarly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NAR). Broken into parts: NAR · lee.
Is gnarly 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 /ˈnɑːli/ (NAH-lee).