How to pronounce mercifully
Say it like MUR-sih-fuh-lee. Mercifully has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce mercifully. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MUR
- sih
- fuh
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Mercifully pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- sihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- fuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of mercifully
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MUR-sih-fuh-lee.
What does mercifully mean?
- In a merciful manner.
- Thankfully.
Where does mercifully come from?
From merciful + -ly.
Questions about saying mercifully
How do you pronounce mercifully?
Say MUR-sih-fuh-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɝsɪfəli/. In British English it is /ˈmɜːsɪfəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in mercifully?
Mercifully has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MUR). Broken into parts: MUR · sih · fuh · lee.
Is mercifully 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 /ˈmɜːsɪfəli/ (MUR-sih-fuh-lee).