How to pronounce preferentially
Say it like pref-uh-REN-shuh-lee. Preferentially has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (REN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce preferentially. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pref
- uh
- REN
- shuh
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Preferentially pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- prefGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shuhKeep 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 preferentially
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 3, while British speakers stress syllable 1.
British respelling: PREF-ur-en-shuh-lee.
What does preferentially mean?
- in a preferential manner
- advantageously
Where does preferentially come from?
From preferential + -ly.
Words that rhyme with preferentially
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of preferentially.
Questions about saying preferentially
How do you pronounce preferentially?
Say pref-uh-REN-shuh-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˌprɛfəˈrɛnʃəli/. In British English it is /ˈprɛfɜːˌɛnʃəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in preferentially?
Preferentially has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (REN). Broken into parts: pref · uh · REN · shuh · lee.
Is preferentially pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 3, while British speakers stress syllable 1. The British form is /ˈprɛfɜːˌɛnʃəli/ (PREF-ur-en-shuh-lee).