How to pronounce helplessly
Say it like HEL-pluh-slee. Helplessly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HEL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce helplessly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HEL
- pluh
- slee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Helplessly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- pluhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- sleeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of helplessly
American and British speakers say helplessly in essentially the same way: /ˈhɛlpləsli/ in the US and /ˈhɛlpləsli/ in the UK.
British respelling: HEL-pluh-slee.
What does helplessly mean?
- Without protection or assistance.“The fish flopped helplessly in the tiny remaining pool.”
- Without the ability to help oneself.“The boy rolled on the floor laughing helplessly.”
- Without the ability to react actively.“The spectators gaped helplessly as the balloon approached the power lines.”
Where does helplessly come from?
From helpless + -ly.
Questions about saying helplessly
How do you pronounce helplessly?
Say HEL-pluh-slee. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɛlpləsli/. In British English it is /ˈhɛlpləsli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in helplessly?
Helplessly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HEL). Broken into parts: HEL · pluh · slee.
Do Americans and Brits say helplessly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈhɛlpləsli/ and the British form is /ˈhɛlpləsli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.