How to pronounce sparsely
Say it like SPAR-slee. Sparsely has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPAR).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈspɑrsli/SPAR-slee
UK British/ˈspɑːsli/SPAH-slee
- SPAR
- slee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sparsely pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SPARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- sleeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of sparsely
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SPAH-slee.
What does sparsely mean?
adverb
- In a scattered or sparse manner; widely apart; thinly.“a sparsely populated region”
Where does sparsely come from?
From sparse + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with sparsely
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of sparsely.
Questions about saying sparsely
How do you pronounce sparsely?
Say SPAR-slee. The American pronunciation is /ˈspɑrsli/. In British English it is /ˈspɑːsli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sparsely?
Sparsely has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPAR). Broken into parts: SPAR · slee.
Is sparsely pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈspɑːsli/ (SPAH-slee).