How to pronounce outwardly
Say it like OW-twerd-lee. Outwardly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OW).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce outwardly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OW
- twerd
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Outwardly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- twerdKeep 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 outwardly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: OW-twud-lee.
What does outwardly mean?
- Externally or on the outside, or on the surface.“The terrorist was outwardly a bank clerk.”
- Toward the outside
Where does outwardly come from?
From Middle English outwardly, outwardli, utwardliche, equivalent to outward + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying outwardly
How do you pronounce outwardly?
Say OW-twerd-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈaʊtwɚdli/. In British English it is /ˈaʊtwədli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in outwardly?
Outwardly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OW). Broken into parts: OW · twerd · lee.
Is outwardly 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 /ˈaʊtwədli/ (OW-twud-lee).