How to pronounce indirectly
Say it like in-duh-REKT-lee. Indirectly has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (REKT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce indirectly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- duh
- REKT
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Indirectly 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.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- REKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- leeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of indirectly
American and British speakers say indirectly in essentially the same way: /ˌɪndəˈrɛktˌli/ in the US and /ɪndɪˈrɛktli/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-dih-REKT-lee.
What does indirectly mean?
- not in a forthright manner“he answered very indirectly”
Where does indirectly come from?
From Middle English inderectely, indirectly, equivalent to indirect + -ly or in- + directly.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with indirectly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of indirectly.
Questions about saying indirectly
How do you pronounce indirectly?
Say in-duh-REKT-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪndəˈrɛktˌli/. In British English it is /ɪndɪˈrɛktli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in indirectly?
Indirectly has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (REKT). Broken into parts: in · duh · REKT · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say indirectly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪndəˈrɛktˌli/ and the British form is /ɪndɪˈrɛktli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.