How to pronounce uncertainly
Say it like un-SUR-tun-lee. Uncertainly has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce uncertainly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- un
- SUR
- tun
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Uncertainly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- tunKeep 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 uncertainly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: un-SUR-tun-lee.
What does uncertainly mean?
- In an uncertain manner.
Where does uncertainly come from?
From Middle English uncerteynliche, uncertanlye.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying uncertainly
How do you pronounce uncertainly?
Say un-SUR-tun-lee. The American pronunciation is /ʌnˈsɝtənli/. In British English it is /ʌnˈsɜːtənli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in uncertainly?
Uncertainly has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR). Broken into parts: un · SUR · tun · lee.
Is uncertainly 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 /ʌnˈsɜːtənli/ (un-SUR-tun-lee).