How to pronounce seemly
Say it like SEEM-lee. Seemly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce seemly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEEM
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Seemly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SEEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of seemly
American and British speakers say seemly in essentially the same way: /ˈsimli/ in the US and /ˈsiːmli/ in the UK.
British respelling: SEEM-lee.
What does seemly mean?
- Of behavior, appropriate; suited to the occasion or purpose; becoming.“His behavior was seemly, as befits a gentleman.”
- Appropriately, fittingly.
Where does seemly come from?
From Middle English semly, semely, semelich, from Old Norse sœmiligr (“seemly”); equivalent to seem + -ly.
Words that rhyme with seemly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of seemly.
Questions about saying seemly
How do you pronounce seemly?
Say SEEM-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈsimli/. In British English it is /ˈsiːmli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in seemly?
Seemly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEEM). Broken into parts: SEEM · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say seemly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsimli/ and the British form is /ˈsiːmli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.