How to pronounce merely
Say it like MEER-lee. Merely has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce merely. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MEER
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Merely pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MEERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of merely
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: MEER-lee.
What does merely mean?
- and nothing more“I was merely asking”“it is simply a matter of time”
Where does merely come from?
From Middle English mereli, equivalent to mere + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with merely
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of merely.
Questions about saying merely
How do you pronounce merely?
Say MEER-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɪrli/. In British English it is /ˈmɪəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in merely?
Merely has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEER). Broken into parts: MEER · lee.
Is merely 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 /ˈmɪəli/ (MEER-lee).