How to pronounce publicly
Say it like PUHB-lih-klee. Publicly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUHB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce publicly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUHB
- lih
- klee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Publicly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PUHBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- lihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kleeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of publicly
American and British speakers say publicly in essentially the same way: /ˈpʌblɪkli/ in the US and /ˈpʌblɪkli/ in the UK.
British respelling: PUHB-lih-klee.
What does publicly mean?
- in a manner accessible to or observable by the public; openly“she admitted publicly to being a communist”
- by the public or the people generally“publicly provided medical care”“publicly financed schools”
Where does publicly come from?
From public + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with publicly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of publicly.
Words that sound like publicly
Questions about saying publicly
How do you pronounce publicly?
Say PUHB-lih-klee. The American pronunciation is /ˈpʌblɪkli/. In British English it is /ˈpʌblɪkli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in publicly?
Publicly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUHB). Broken into parts: PUHB · lih · klee.
Do Americans and Brits say publicly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpʌblɪkli/ and the British form is /ˈpʌblɪkli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as publicly?
Publicly sounds the same as publically in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.