How do you pronounce "nearly"?

In American English: /ˈnɪrli/ (NIRL-ee). In British English: /nˈɪəli/ (N-i-uhl). In Canadian English: /ˈnɪrli/ (NIRL-ee). In Australian English: /nˈiəli/ (N-ee-uhl).

Is "nearly" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈnɪrli/ (NIRL-ee), while in British English it's /nˈɪəli/ (N-i-uhl).

How to Pronounce "nearly"

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nearly

regional

/ˈnɪrli/

NIRL-ee

Syllable Breakdown

nɪrlnear·ily

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14