How to pronounce masterly
Say it like MAS-ter-lee. Masterly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce masterly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MAS
- ter
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Masterly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MASSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of masterly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: MAH-stuh-lee.
What does masterly mean?
- Executed in the manner of a master; showing competence and skill; masterful.“Her years of experience enabled her to render a masterly performance.”
Where does masterly come from?
From Middle English maisterli, from maister (“leader, ruler; high official; official in charge of a place; person in control; employer; owner; schoolmaster, teacher; scholar, sage; holder of a master's degree; religious teacher; master craf
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying masterly
How do you pronounce masterly?
Say MAS-ter-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈmæstɚli/. In British English it is /ˈmɑːstəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in masterly?
Masterly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAS). Broken into parts: MAS · ter · lee.
Is masterly pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈmɑːstəli/ (MAH-stuh-lee).