How to pronounce possibly
Say it like POS-uh-blee. Possibly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce possibly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- POS
- uh
- blee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Possibly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- POSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bleeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of possibly
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: POS-ih-blee.
What does possibly mean?
- by chance“perhaps she will call tomorrow”“we may possibly run into them at the concert”
- to a degree possible of achievement or by possible means“they can't possibly get here in time for the funeral?”
Where does possibly come from?
From possible + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying possibly
How do you pronounce possibly?
Say POS-uh-blee. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɑsəbli/. In British English it is /ˈpɒsɪbli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in possibly?
Possibly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POS). Broken into parts: POS · uh · blee.
Is possibly pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈpɒsɪbli/ (POS-ih-blee).