How to pronounce selectively
Say it like suh-LEK-tiv-lee. Selectively has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce selectively. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- suh
- LEK
- tiv
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Selectively pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tivKeep 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 selectively
American and British speakers say selectively in essentially the same way: /səˈlɛktɪvli/ in the US and /səˈlɛktɪvli/ in the UK.
British respelling: suh-LEK-tiv-lee.
What does selectively mean?
- In a selective manner, only affecting or applying to some selected cases.
Where does selectively come from?
From selective + -ly.
Words that rhyme with selectively
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of selectively.
Questions about saying selectively
How do you pronounce selectively?
Say suh-LEK-tiv-lee. The American pronunciation is /səˈlɛktɪvli/. In British English it is /səˈlɛktɪvli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in selectively?
Selectively has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LEK). Broken into parts: suh · LEK · tiv · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say selectively the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /səˈlɛktɪvli/ and the British form is /səˈlɛktɪvli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.