How to pronounce only
Say it like OHN-lee. Only has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OHN).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈoʊnli/OHN-lee
UK British/ˈəʊnli/OHN-lee
- OHN
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Only pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OHNSay 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 only
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: OHN-lee.
What does only mean?
adjective
- Alone in a category.“He is the only doctor for miles.”
- Singularly superior; the best.
- Without sibling; without a sibling of the same gender.“He is their only son, in fact, an only child.”
- Without others or anything further; exclusively.“My heart is hers, and hers only.”
- No more than; just.“The cat only sat on the mat. It didn't scratch it.”
- As recently as.“He left only moments ago.”
- Under the condition that; but.“You're welcome to borrow my bicycle, only please take care of it.”
- But, except; but in fact.“I would enjoy running, only I have this broken leg.”
Where does only come from?
* Regarding the different phonological development of only and one, see the note in one.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with only
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of only.
Questions about saying only
How do you pronounce only?
Say OHN-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈoʊnli/. In British English it is /ˈəʊnli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in only?
Only has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OHN). Broken into parts: OHN · lee.
Is only 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 /ˈəʊnli/ (OHN-lee).