How to pronounce supposedly
Say it like suh-POH-zud-lee. Supposedly has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (POH).
- suh
- POH
- zud
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Ends with 'id-lee': 'suh-POH-zid-lee'. Avoid 'supposably'.
Supposedly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- POHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- zudKeep 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 supposedly
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: suh-POH-zud-lee.
What does supposedly mean?
- As a matter of supposition; in the beliefs or according to the claims of some people.“People from other planets have supposedly visited Earth in flying saucers.”
- Used in place of "supposed to be," often in informal or colloquial speech, as a mispronunciation.“My parents told me I am supposedly in bed by 10 P.M.”
Where does supposedly come from?
From supposed + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- supposably
- reportedly
- reputedly
- purportedly
Questions about saying supposedly
How do you pronounce supposedly?
Say suh-POH-zud-lee. The American pronunciation is /səˈpoʊzədli/. In British English it is /səˈpəʊzədli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in supposedly?
Supposedly has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (POH). Broken into parts: suh · POH · zud · lee.
Is supposedly pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /səˈpəʊzədli/ (suh-POH-zud-lee).