How to pronounce slovenly
Say it like SLUHV-un-lee. Slovenly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SLUHV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce slovenly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SLUHV
- un
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Slovenly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SLUHVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of slovenly
American and British speakers say slovenly in essentially the same way: /ˈslʌvənli/ in the US and /ˈslʌvənli/ in the UK.
British respelling: SLUHV-un-lee.
What does slovenly mean?
- Having an untidy appearance; unkempt.
- Dirty, unwashed; disorderly.
- Careless or negligent; sloppy.
- In a slovenly manner.
Where does slovenly come from?
From sloven + -ly.
Questions about saying slovenly
How do you pronounce slovenly?
Say SLUHV-un-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈslʌvənli/. In British English it is /ˈslʌvənli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in slovenly?
Slovenly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SLUHV). Broken into parts: SLUHV · un · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say slovenly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈslʌvənli/ and the British form is /ˈslʌvənli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.