How to pronounce keenly
Say it like KEEN-lee. Keenly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KEEN).
- KEEN
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Keenly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KEENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of keenly
American and British speakers say keenly in essentially the same way: /ˈkinli/ in the US and /ˈkiːnli/ in the UK.
British respelling: KEEN-lee.
What does keenly mean?
- In a keen manner.“watch something keenly”
Where does keenly come from?
From Middle English kenely, kenliche, from Old English cēnlīċe (“keenly, boldly, courageously”), equivalent to keen + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with keenly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of keenly.
Questions about saying keenly
How do you pronounce keenly?
Say KEEN-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈkinli/. In British English it is /ˈkiːnli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in keenly?
Keenly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KEEN). Broken into parts: KEEN · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say keenly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkinli/ and the British form is /ˈkiːnli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.