How to pronounce mostly
Say it like MOHST-lee. Mostly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MOHST).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce mostly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MOHST
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Mostly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MOHSTSay 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 mostly
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: MOHST-lee.
What does mostly mean?
- in large part; mainly or chiefly“These accounts are largely inactive”
- usually; as a rule“by and large it doesn't rain much here”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with mostly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of mostly.
Questions about saying mostly
How do you pronounce mostly?
Say MOHST-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈmoʊstli/. In British English it is /ˈməʊstli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in mostly?
Mostly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MOHST). Broken into parts: MOHST · lee.
Is mostly 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 /ˈməʊstli/ (MOHST-lee).