How do you pronounce "painfully"?

In American English: /ˈpeɪnfəli/ (PAYNF-uhl-ee). In British English: /pˈeɪnfəli/ (P-aynf-uhl). In Canadian English: /ˈpeɪnfəli/ (PAYNF-uhl-ee). In Australian English: /pˈeɪnfəli/ (P-aynf-uhl).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈpeɪnfəli/ (PAYNF-uhl-ee), while in British English it's /pˈeɪnfəli/ (P-aynf-uhl).

How to Pronounce "painfully"

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painfully

disputed

/ˈpeɪnfəli/

PAYNF-uhl-ee

Syllable Breakdown

peɪnfpai·əlnful·ily

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14