How to pronounce solitary
Say it like SOL-uh-ter-ee. Solitary has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SOL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce solitary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SOL
- uh
- ter
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Solitary pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SOLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- terGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of solitary
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: SOL-ih-tuh-ree.
What does solitary mean?
- characterized by or preferring solitude“a lone wolf”“a lonely existence”
- of plants and animals; not growing or living in groups or colonies“solitary bees”
- lacking companions or companionship“he was alone when we met him”“she is alone much of the time”
- confinement of a prisoner in isolation from other prisoners“he was held in solitary”
- one who lives in solitude
Where does solitary come from?
From Middle English solitarie, borrowed from Latin sōlitārius.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying solitary
How do you pronounce solitary?
Say SOL-uh-ter-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɑləˌtɛri/. In British English it is /ˈsɒlɪtəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in solitary?
Solitary has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SOL). Broken into parts: SOL · uh · ter · ee.
Is solitary pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈsɒlɪtəri/ (SOL-ih-tuh-ree).