How to pronounce secretly
Say it like SEE-krit-lee. Secretly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce secretly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEE
- krit
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Secretly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- kritKeep this part quick and light. 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 secretly
American and British speakers say secretly in essentially the same way: /ˈsikrɪtli/ in the US and /ˈsiːkrɪtli/ in the UK.
British respelling: SEE-krit-lee.
What does secretly mean?
- in secrecy; not openly“met secretly to discuss the invasion plans”“the children secretly went to the movies when they were supposed to be at the library”
- not openly; inwardly“they were secretly delighted at his embarrassment”“hoped secretly she would change her mind”
Where does secretly come from?
From secret + -ly.
Questions about saying secretly
How do you pronounce secretly?
Say SEE-krit-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈsikrɪtli/. In British English it is /ˈsiːkrɪtli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in secretly?
Secretly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEE). Broken into parts: SEE · krit · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say secretly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsikrɪtli/ and the British form is /ˈsiːkrɪtli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.