How to pronounce hopelessly
Say it like HOHP-lus-lee. Hopelessly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HOHP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce hopelessly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HOHP
- lus
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hopelessly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HOHPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- lusKeep 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 hopelessly
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: HOHP-lis-lee.
What does hopelessly mean?
- In a manner showing no hope
Where does hopelessly come from?
From hopeless + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying hopelessly
How do you pronounce hopelessly?
Say HOHP-lus-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈhoʊpləsli/. In British English it is /ˈhəʊplɪsli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hopelessly?
Hopelessly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HOHP). Broken into parts: HOHP · lus · lee.
Is hopelessly pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈhəʊplɪsli/ (HOHP-lis-lee).