How to pronounce solely
Say it like SOH-uh-lee. Solely has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce solely. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SOH
- uh
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Solely pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- uhKeep 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 solely
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: SOHL-lee.
What does solely mean?
- without any others being included or involved“was entirely to blame”“a school devoted entirely to the needs of problem children”
Where does solely come from?
From Middle English soly, sooly, soolly, equivalent to sole + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying solely
How do you pronounce solely?
Say SOH-uh-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈsoʊəli/. In British English it is /ˈsəʊlli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in solely?
Solely has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SOH). Broken into parts: SOH · uh · lee.
Is solely pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈsəʊlli/ (SOHL-lee).