How to pronounce idly
Say it like EYED-lee. Idly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EYED).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce idly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EYED
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Idly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- EYEDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of idly
American and British speakers say idly in essentially the same way: /ˈaɪdli/ in the US and /ˈaɪdli/ in the UK.
British respelling: EYED-lee.
What does idly mean?
- Without specific purpose, intent or effort.“I idly played with the paper, not even realizing I was folding it into a paper airplane.”
- In an idle manner.
- Alternative spelling of idli.
Where does idly come from?
From Middle English idely, ydelly, idelliche, from Old English īdellīċe, equivalent to idle + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with idly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of idly.
Questions about saying idly
How do you pronounce idly?
Say EYED-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈaɪdli/. In British English it is /ˈaɪdli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in idly?
Idly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EYED). Broken into parts: EYED · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say idly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈaɪdli/ and the British form is /ˈaɪdli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.