How to pronounce wholly
Say it like HOH-lee. Wholly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce wholly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HOH
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Wholly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of wholly
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: HOH-lee.
What does wholly mean?
- to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (whole is often used informally for wholly)“he was wholly convinced”“entirely satisfied with the meal”
Where does wholly come from?
From Middle English holly, holeliche, holliche (also as halely, hallich, etc.).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with wholly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of wholly.
Words that sound like wholly
Questions about saying wholly
How do you pronounce wholly?
Say HOH-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈhoʊli/. In British English it is /ˈhəʊli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in wholly?
Wholly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HOH). Broken into parts: HOH · lee.
Is wholly 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 /ˈhəʊli/ (HOH-lee).
What words sound the same as wholly?
Wholly sounds the same as holy in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.