How to pronounce quickly
Say it like KWIK-lee. Quickly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KWIK).
- KWIK
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Quickly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KWIKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of quickly
American and British speakers say quickly in essentially the same way: /ˈkwɪkli/ in the US and /ˈkwɪkli/ in the UK.
British respelling: KWIK-lee.
What does quickly mean?
- with speed“he works quickly”“John got ready in short order”
- with little or no delay“the rescue squad arrived promptly”“come here, quick!”
- without taking pains“he looked cursorily through the magazine”
Where does quickly come from?
From Middle English quykly, quikliche, quicliche, cwikliche, cwickliche, from Old English cwiculīċe.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with quickly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of quickly.
Questions about saying quickly
How do you pronounce quickly?
Say KWIK-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈkwɪkli/. In British English it is /ˈkwɪkli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in quickly?
Quickly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KWIK). Broken into parts: KWIK · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say quickly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkwɪkli/ and the British form is /ˈkwɪkli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.