How to pronounce nearly
Say it like NEER-lee. Nearly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NEER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nearly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NEER
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nearly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NEERSay 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 nearly
- American English uses 2 syllables and British English 3.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: NEE-uh-lee.
What does nearly mean?
- (of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but“the job is (just) about done”“the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded”
- in a close manner“the two phenomena are intimately connected”“the person most nearly concerned”
Where does nearly come from?
From near + -ly. Cognate with Scots nerelie, neirlie (“nearly”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with nearly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of nearly.
Questions about saying nearly
How do you pronounce nearly?
Say NEER-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈnɪrli/. In British English it is /ˈniːəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nearly?
Nearly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NEER). Broken into parts: NEER · lee.
Is nearly pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 2 syllables and British English 3. The British form is /ˈniːəli/ (NEE-uh-lee).