How to pronounce indefinitely
Say it like in-DEF-uh-nut-lee. Indefinitely has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DEF).
- in
- DEF
- uh
- nut
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Indefinitely pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- DEFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nutKeep 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 indefinitely
American and British speakers say indefinitely in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnˈdɛfənətli/ in the US and /ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪtli/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-DEF-ih-nit-lee.
What does indefinitely mean?
- In a manner that is not definite.“an indefinitely determined fossil”
- For a long time, with no defined end.
- Forever.
Where does indefinitely come from?
From indefinite + -ly.
Questions about saying indefinitely
How do you pronounce indefinitely?
Say in-DEF-uh-nut-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈdɛfənətli/. In British English it is /ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪtli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in indefinitely?
Indefinitely has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DEF). Broken into parts: in · DEF · uh · nut · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say indefinitely the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnˈdɛfənətli/ and the British form is /ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪtli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.