How to pronounce lonesome
Say it like LOHN-sum. Lonesome has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LOHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lonesome. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LOHN
- sum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lonesome pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LOHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- sumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of lonesome
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: LOHN-sum.
What does lonesome mean?
- Unhappy due to being alone; lonely.
- Oneself alone.“I sat and watched the cars pass all by my lonesome.”
Where does lonesome come from?
From lone + -some, mid-17th century.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying lonesome
How do you pronounce lonesome?
Say LOHN-sum. The American pronunciation is /ˈloʊnsəm/. In British English it is /ˈləʊnsəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lonesome?
Lonesome has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LOHN). Broken into parts: LOHN · sum.
Is lonesome pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈləʊnsəm/ (LOHN-sum).