How to pronounce orderly
Say it like OR-der-lee. Orderly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce orderly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OR
- der
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Orderly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of orderly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AW-duh-lee.
What does orderly mean?
- A hospital attendant given a variety of non-medical duties.
- A soldier who carries out minor tasks for a superior officer.
- Neat and tidy; possessing order.“He has always kept an orderly kitchen, with nothing out of place.”
- Methodical or systematic.“We live in an orderly universe, where rules govern both the movements of planets and the binding of molecules.”
- Peaceful; well-behaved.“An orderly gathering of citizens stood on the corner awaiting the bus.”
Where does orderly come from?
From order + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying orderly
How do you pronounce orderly?
Say OR-der-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈɔrdɚli/. In British English it is /ˈɔːdəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in orderly?
Orderly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OR). Broken into parts: OR · der · lee.
Is orderly 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 /ˈɔːdəli/ (AW-duh-lee).