How to pronounce vainly
Say it like VAYN-lee. Vainly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VAYN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vainly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VAYN
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vainly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of vainly
American and British speakers say vainly in essentially the same way: /ˈveɪnli/ in the US and /ˈveɪnli/ in the UK.
British respelling: VAYN-lee.
What does vainly mean?
- In a vain pursuit; to no avail.“She searched vainly for her reflection in the shattered mirror.”
- With a vain attitude; in a self-approving manner.“She stared vainly at her reflection in the mirror.”
Where does vainly come from?
Inherited from Middle English vaynly, veynly, vaynely, veynely, equivalent to vain + -ly.
Words that rhyme with vainly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of vainly.
Questions about saying vainly
How do you pronounce vainly?
Say VAYN-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈveɪnli/. In British English it is /ˈveɪnli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vainly?
Vainly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VAYN). Broken into parts: VAYN · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say vainly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈveɪnli/ and the British form is /ˈveɪnli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.