How to pronounce preferably
Say it like PREF-uh-ruh-blee. Preferably has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PREF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce preferably. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PREF
- uh
- ruh
- blee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Preferably pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PREFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ruhKeep 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 preferably
American and British speakers say preferably in essentially the same way: /ˈprɛfərəbli/ in the US and /ˈprɛfərəbli/ in the UK.
British respelling: PREF-uh-ruh-blee.
What does preferably mean?
- more readily or willingly“clean it well, preferably with warm water”“I'd rather be in Philadelphia”
Where does preferably come from?
From preferable + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying preferably
How do you pronounce preferably?
Say PREF-uh-ruh-blee. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɛfərəbli/. In British English it is /ˈprɛfərəbli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in preferably?
Preferably has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PREF). Broken into parts: PREF · uh · ruh · blee.
Do Americans and Brits say preferably the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈprɛfərəbli/ and the British form is /ˈprɛfərəbli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.