How to pronounce lowly
Say it like LOH-lee. Lowly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lowly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LOH
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lowly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of lowly
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: LOH-lee.
What does lowly mean?
- Not high; not elevated in place; low.
- Low in rank or social importance.
- Not lofty or sublime; humble.
- In a low manner; humbly; meekly; modestly.
- In a low condition; meanly.
- At low pitch or volume.
Where does lowly come from?
From low + -ly; compare Middle English lowly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with lowly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of lowly.
Questions about saying lowly
How do you pronounce lowly?
Say LOH-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈloʊli/. In British English it is /ˈləʊli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lowly?
Lowly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LOH). Broken into parts: LOH · lee.
Is lowly 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 /ˈləʊli/ (LOH-lee).