How to pronounce presently
Say it like PREZ-unt-lee. Presently has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PREZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce presently. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PREZ
- unt
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Presently pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PREZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- untKeep 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 presently
American and British speakers say presently in essentially the same way: /ˈprɛzəntli/ in the US and /ˈprɛzəntli/ in the UK.
British respelling: PREZ-unt-lee.
What does presently mean?
- in the near future“the doctor will soon be here”“the book will appear shortly”
- at this time or period; now“he is presently our ambassador to the United Nations”“currently they live in Connecticut”
Where does presently come from?
From Middle English presently; equivalent to present + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with presently
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of presently.
Questions about saying presently
How do you pronounce presently?
Say PREZ-unt-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɛzəntli/. In British English it is /ˈprɛzəntli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in presently?
Presently has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PREZ). Broken into parts: PREZ · unt · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say presently the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈprɛzəntli/ and the British form is /ˈprɛzəntli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.