How to Pronounce Merely

To pronounce "merely", say MER-ely — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈmɪəli/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

merely

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/ˈmɪəli/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “merely”

"merely" has 2 syllables: mer-ely. It rhymes with austerely and clearly, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: myrlie — easy to mix up when writing.

What does merely mean?

adverb

  1. Wholly, entirely.
  2. (focus) Without any other reason etc.; only, just, and nothing more.

Hear “merely” 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 merely

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

austerelyclearlynearlysincerelyseverelycavalierlyyearlydearlybierleybierlymyrlie

Related words

butsimplyonlyjustexclusivelysimplesolelysingle

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "merely"?▾

"Merely" has 2 syllables: mer · ely.

What is the IPA transcription of "merely"?▾

The IPA transcription of "merely" is /ˈmɪəli/.

What does "merely" mean?▾

Merely: Wholly, entirely.

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