How to pronounce leery
Say it like LIH-er-ee. Leery has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce leery. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LIH
- er
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Leery pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LIHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of leery
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: LEER-ree.
What does leery mean?
- Cautious, suspicious, wary, hesitant, or nervous about something; having reservations or concerns.“Since he was bitten by a dog when he was young, he has always been leery of animals.”
- Leering; lecherous or unpleasant.
Where does leery come from?
First attested in 1718, “untrustful, suspicious”, either from leer (“sideward look”) + -y, lear (“learning, knowledge”) + -y.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with leery
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of leery.
Questions about saying leery
How do you pronounce leery?
Say LIH-er-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɪɚi/. In British English it is /ˈlɪəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in leery?
Leery has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIH). Broken into parts: LIH · er · ee.
Is leery pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈlɪəri/ (LEER-ree).