How to pronounce rarely
Say it like RAIR-lee. Rarely has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rarely. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RAIR
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rarely pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RAIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of rarely
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: RAIR-lee.
What does rarely mean?
- not often“we rarely met”
Where does rarely come from?
From rare + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with rarely
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rarely.
Questions about saying rarely
How do you pronounce rarely?
Say RAIR-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɛrli/. In British English it is /ˈrɛəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rarely?
Rarely has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAIR). Broken into parts: RAIR · lee.
Is rarely 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 /ˈrɛəli/ (RAIR-lee).