Learn How to Pronounce likely

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likely

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈlaɪkli

Examples:

That is, the opinion appears likely to be baseless and unsound.

Learn more about:
likely

Related Words:

able

How to perfect your pronunciation of: likely

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Common mistakes of likely pronunciation

Unstressed vowel confusion: Many pronounce "likely" as /ˈlaɪkli/ instead of /ˈlaɪkli/ (US) or /ˈlaɪkli/ (UK). The second syllable should be quick and less emphasized. Tip: Practice saying "likely" with a light "klee" sound.
Incorrect vowel sound: Some may say "likely" with an "e" sound, as in "leaky." This mispronunciation changes the vowel sound to /ˈleɪkli/. Tip: Focus on the "i" in "likely," which sounds like /aɪ/.
Syllable stress issues: Stressing the second syllable instead of the first can lead to mispronunciation. "Likely" should be pronounced with stress on the first syllable: /ˈlaɪkli/. Tip: Emphasize "like" more than "ly" when saying the word.
Overpronouncing the "k": Some speakers may overly emphasize the "k" in "likely," making it sound harsh. The correct pronunciation is smoother: /ˈlaɪkli/. Tip: Keep the "k" soft and blend it naturally into the following syllable.
Misplacing the "l": Occasionally, speakers might omit the "l" sound, saying "ikey" instead of "likely." This alters the word completely. Tip: Ensure you clearly pronounce the "l" at the beginning of "likely."

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "likely" in American English?

In American English, "likely" is pronounced as /ˈlaɪkli/. The stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "like," followed by a quick "lee."

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "likely" between British and American English?

In British English, "likely" is also pronounced as /ˈlaɪkli/, so there is no difference in the pronunciation. Both variants have the same stress pattern and vowel sounds.

What is the syllable breakdown for the word "likely"?

The word "likely" has two syllables: "like" and "ly." You can break it down as /ˈlaɪk/ and /li/.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "likely"?

A common mistake is to misplace the stress or to pronounce it too quickly, leading to a sound like "likly." Remember to emphasize the first syllable and keep the second syllable clear.