How to pronounce purely
Say it like PYOOR-lee. Purely has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PYOOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce purely. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PYOOR
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Purely pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PYOORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of purely
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PYOOR-lee.
What does purely mean?
- restricted to something“we talked strictly business”
Where does purely come from?
From Middle English purely, equivalent to pure + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with purely
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of purely.
Questions about saying purely
How do you pronounce purely?
Say PYOOR-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈpjʊrli/. In British English it is /ˈpjʊəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in purely?
Purely has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PYOOR). Broken into parts: PYOOR · lee.
Is purely pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈpjʊəli/ (PYOOR-lee).