How to pronounce privately
Say it like PRY-vut-lee. Privately has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRY).
- PRY
- vut
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Privately pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PRYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- vutKeep 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 privately
American and British speakers say privately in essentially the same way: /ˈpraɪvətli/ in the US and /ˈpraɪvɪtli/ in the UK.
British respelling: PRY-vit-lee.
What does privately mean?
- kept private or confined to those intimately concerned“it was discussed privately between the two men”“privately, she thought differently”
- by a private person or interest“a privately financed campaign”
Where does privately come from?
From private + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying privately
How do you pronounce privately?
Say PRY-vut-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈpraɪvətli/. In British English it is /ˈpraɪvɪtli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in privately?
Privately has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRY). Broken into parts: PRY · vut · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say privately the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpraɪvətli/ and the British form is /ˈpraɪvɪtli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.