How to pronounce imperfectly
Say it like im-PUR-fikt-lee. Imperfectly has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce imperfectly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- PUR
- fikt
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Imperfectly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- imGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- PURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- fiktKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of imperfectly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: im-PUR-fikt-lee.
What does imperfectly mean?
- In an imperfect manner or degree; not fully or completely.
Where does imperfectly come from?
From imperfect + -ly or im- + perfectly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying imperfectly
How do you pronounce imperfectly?
Say im-PUR-fikt-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪmˈpɝfɪktli/. In British English it is /ˌɪmˈpɜːfɪktli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in imperfectly?
Imperfectly has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PUR). Broken into parts: im · PUR · fikt · lee.
Is imperfectly 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 /ˌɪmˈpɜːfɪktli/ (im-PUR-fikt-lee).