How to Pronounce Mainly

To pronounce "mainly", say MAINLY — one syllable, IPA /ˈmeɪnli/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

mainly

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Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

6

Letters

/ˈmeɪnli/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “mainly”

"mainly" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with ungainly and plainly, if that helps it stick.

What does mainly mean?

adverb

  1. Forcefully, vigorously.
  2. Of the production of a sound: loudly, powerfully.

Synonyms

in the mainprincipallyenergeticallypowerfullystronglyearsplittinglylustilyraucously

Hear “mainly” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with mainly

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

ungainlyplainlygainlyvainlysanelyhumanelyainleyhainleyrainley

Related words

chieflyprimarilyprincipallymostlymostusuallygenerallypredominately

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "mainly"?▾

"Mainly" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "mainly"?▾

The IPA transcription of "mainly" is /ˈmeɪnli/.

What does "mainly" mean?▾

Mainly: Forcefully, vigorously.

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