How to pronounce originally
Say it like uh-RIJ-uh-nuh-lee. Originally has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RIJ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce originally. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- RIJ
- uh
- nuh
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Originally pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RIJSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of originally
American and British speakers say originally in essentially the same way: /əˈrɪdʒənəli/ in the US and /əˈrɪdʒɪnəli/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-RIJ-ih-nuh-lee.
What does originally mean?
- in an original manner
- with reference to the origin or beginning
- before now“why didn't you tell me in the first place?”
Where does originally come from?
From Middle English originali; equivalent to original + -ly.
Questions about saying originally
How do you pronounce originally?
Say uh-RIJ-uh-nuh-lee. The American pronunciation is /əˈrɪdʒənəli/. In British English it is /əˈrɪdʒɪnəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in originally?
Originally has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RIJ). Broken into parts: uh · RIJ · uh · nuh · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say originally the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈrɪdʒənəli/ and the British form is /əˈrɪdʒɪnəli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.