How to pronounce initially
Say it like in-ISH-uh-lee. Initially has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ISH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce initially. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- ISH
- uh
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Initially 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.
- ISHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep 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 initially
American and British speakers say initially in essentially the same way: /ˌɪˈnɪʃəli/ in the US and /ɪˈnɪʃəli/ in the UK.
British respelling: ih-NISH-uh-lee.
What does initially mean?
- at the beginning“at first he didn't notice anything strange”
Where does initially come from?
From initial + -ly.
Words that rhyme with initially
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of initially.
Questions about saying initially
How do you pronounce initially?
Say in-ISH-uh-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪˈnɪʃəli/. In British English it is /ɪˈnɪʃəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in initially?
Initially has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ISH). Broken into parts: in · ISH · uh · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say initially the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪˈnɪʃəli/ and the British form is /ɪˈnɪʃəli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.