How to pronounce handsomely
Say it like HANT-sum-lee. Handsomely has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HANT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce handsomely. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HANT
- sum
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Handsomely pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HANTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- sumKeep 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 handsomely
American and British speakers say handsomely in essentially the same way: /ˈhæntsəmli/ in the US and /ˈhæntsəmli/ in the UK.
British respelling: HANT-sum-lee.
What does handsomely mean?
- Regarding a person's action: in a handsome or good-looking manner.“a handsomely brooding man”
- In a manner conforming to accepted standards of behavior; appropriately, decently, graciously; also (more strongly), generously, magnanimously.“I was handsomely praised for my part in stopping the robber.”
- In an elegant or graceful manner; elegantly, gracefully, neatly, nicely.
Where does handsomely come from?
From handsome + -ly (suffix forming adverbs).
Questions about saying handsomely
How do you pronounce handsomely?
Say HANT-sum-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈhæntsəmli/. In British English it is /ˈhæntsəmli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in handsomely?
Handsomely has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HANT). Broken into parts: HANT · sum · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say handsomely the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈhæntsəmli/ and the British form is /ˈhæntsəmli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.