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How to pronounce squarely

Say it like SKWAIR-lee. Squarely has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKWAIR).

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US American/ˈskwɛrli/SKWAIR-lee
UK British/ˈskwɛəli/SKWAIR-lee
  • SKWAIR
  • lee
  • Main stress
  • Lighter stress
  • Unstressed

Squarely pronunciation, sound by sound

Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.

  1. SKWAIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
  2. leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.

American vs British pronunciation of squarely

  • Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.

British respelling: SKWAIR-lee.

What does squarely mean?

adverb
  1. In the shape of a square; at right angles.
  2. Firmly and solidly.
  3. In a direct, straightforward and honest manner.

Where does squarely come from?

From square + -ly. First use appears c.

Similar and opposite words

Similar meaning

Words that rhyme with squarely

Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of squarely.

Questions about saying squarely

How do you pronounce squarely?

Say SKWAIR-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈskwɛrli/. In British English it is /ˈskwɛəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.

How many syllables are in squarely?

Squarely has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKWAIR). Broken into parts: SKWAIR · lee.

Is squarely 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 /ˈskwɛəli/ (SKWAIR-lee).

Pronunciation from CMUdict and Wiktionary; meaning and origin adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).