How to pronounce lately
Say it like LAYT-lee. Lately has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAYT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lately. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LAYT
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lately pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LAYTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of lately
American and British speakers say lately in essentially the same way: /ˈleɪtli/ in the US and /ˈleɪtli/ in the UK.
British respelling: LAYT-lee.
What does lately mean?
- in the recent past“he was in Paris recently”“lately the rules have been enforced”
Where does lately come from?
From Middle English lately, latly, equivalent to late + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- recently
- latterly
Words that rhyme with lately
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of lately.
Questions about saying lately
How do you pronounce lately?
Say LAYT-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈleɪtli/. In British English it is /ˈleɪtli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lately?
Lately has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAYT). Broken into parts: LAYT · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say lately the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈleɪtli/ and the British form is /ˈleɪtli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.