How to pronounce unexpectedly
Say it like uhn-ik-SPEK-tid-lee. Unexpectedly has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SPEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unexpectedly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- ik
- SPEK
- tid
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unexpectedly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SPEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tidKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of unexpectedly
American and British speakers say unexpectedly in essentially the same way: /ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪdli/ in the US and /ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪdli/ in the UK.
British respelling: uhn-ik-SPEK-tid-lee.
What does unexpectedly mean?
- in a way that was not expected“her brother showed up at the wedding out of the blue”
- without advance planning“they met accidentally”
Where does unexpectedly come from?
From unexpected + -ly or un- + expectedly.
Questions about saying unexpectedly
How do you pronounce unexpectedly?
Say uhn-ik-SPEK-tid-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪdli/. In British English it is /ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪdli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unexpectedly?
Unexpectedly has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SPEK). Broken into parts: uhn · ik · SPEK · tid · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say unexpectedly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪdli/ and the British form is /ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪdli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.