Learn How to Pronounce previously

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Try:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

previously

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈpriːvɪəsli

Examples:

It was previously in the parish of Bray.

He was previously a queer manager.

He was previously the director of the party.

Learn more about:

previously

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: previously

Learn Individual Sounds

Break previously down into individual sounds such as ˈpriːvɪəsli. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say previously in their accents, then try to repeat after them.

Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

Record Yourself

Say previously in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with previously.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of previously pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners place stress on the second syllable, pronouncing it as "pre-ˈvi-ously". This is incorrect. The correct stress is on the first syllable: "ˈpri-ə-vəs-li". Tip: Remember to stress the first syllable to sound natural.
  2. Overemphasizing the "v": Many pronounce the "v" too strongly, making it sound like "pre-vi-ˈous-ly". This can lead to confusion. The "v" should be pronounced clearly but not overemphasized. Tip: Keep the "v" soft and fluid in speech.
  3. Dropping the "i": Some speakers omit the "i" sound, saying "pre-ˈous-ly". This alters the word's clarity. The correct pronunciation includes the "i" sound, making it "ˈpri-ə-vəs-li". Tip: Focus on the smooth transition between syllables.
  4. Incorrect vowel sounds: A common mistake is mispronouncing the "e" in the first syllable as a long "ee" sound, leading to "pre-ˈee-ously". The "e" should sound like "i" in "bit". Tip: Practice saying "pri" as in "prince" to correct this.
  5. Mispronouncing the final "ly": Some learners pronounce it as "lee" instead of "li", resulting in "pre-vi-ous-lee". The correct ending is a short "li" sound: "ˈpri-ə-vəs-li". Tip: Emphasize the short "li" to match the standard pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "previously" in American English?

In American English, "previously" is pronounced as /ˈpriː.vi.əs.li/ with the primary stress on the first syllable "pre". The "i" in the second syllable is pronounced like the short "i" in "bit".

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

No significant difference exists in the pronunciation of "previously" between American and British English. Both varieties pronounce it as /ˈpriː.vi.əs.li/, maintaining the same stress pattern and vowel sounds.

What syllable is stressed in the word "previously"?

The primary stress in "previously" is on the first syllable "pre". This means that when you say the word, you should emphasize that syllable more than the others.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "previously"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, which can lead to confusion. It's important to remember to stress the first syllable "pre" to ensure clear communication.
Improve your pronunciation with a convenient app anywhere, anytime