How to pronounce mainly
Say it like MAYN-lee. Mainly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAYN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce mainly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MAYN
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Mainly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MAYNSay 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 mainly
American and British speakers say mainly in essentially the same way: /ˈmeɪnli/ in the US and /ˈmeɪnli/ in the UK.
British respelling: MAYN-lee.
What does mainly mean?
- for the most part“he is mainly interested in butterflies”
Where does mainly come from?
From Middle English maynly; equivalent to main + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with mainly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of mainly.
Questions about saying mainly
How do you pronounce mainly?
Say MAYN-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈmeɪnli/. In British English it is /ˈmeɪnli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in mainly?
Mainly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAYN). Broken into parts: MAYN · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say mainly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmeɪnli/ and the British form is /ˈmeɪnli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.