How to pronounce plainly
Say it like PLAYN-lee. Plainly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PLAYN).
- PLAYN
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Plainly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PLAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of plainly
American and British speakers say plainly in essentially the same way: /ˈpleɪnli/ in the US and /ˈpleɪnli/ in the UK.
British respelling: PLAYN-lee.
What does plainly mean?
- In a plain manner; simply; basically.“She decorated the room plainly but neatly.”
- Obviously; clearly.“You will see that ours is plainly the better method.”
Where does plainly come from?
From Middle English playnly, pleinly, pleyneliche, equivalent to plain + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with plainly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of plainly.
Questions about saying plainly
How do you pronounce plainly?
Say PLAYN-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈpleɪnli/. In British English it is /ˈpleɪnli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in plainly?
Plainly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PLAYN). Broken into parts: PLAYN · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say plainly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpleɪnli/ and the British form is /ˈpleɪnli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.