How to Pronounce Mostly

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

mostly

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Accent

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Speed

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Syllable

Letters

/ˈməʊstli/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “mostly”

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

What does mostly mean?

adverb

Mainly or chiefly; for the most part; usually, generally, on the whole.
“They're mostly good people, although they have made a few mistakes.”
To the greatest extent; most.

Synonyms

by and large in the main largely more often than not predominantly principally

Hear “mostly” 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 mostly

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

ghostly grossly closely hostly hoesly towsley

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "mostly"?▾

"Mostly" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "mostly"?▾

The IPA transcription of "mostly" is /ˈməʊstli/.

What does "mostly" mean?▾

Mostly: Mainly or chiefly; for the most part; usually, generally, on the whole.

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