KEM-uh-klee
/ˈkɛməkli/
chemically is pronounced KEM-uh-klee (/ˈkɛməkli/). Chemically describes something related to chemistry or produced by chemical processes; in science writing it often modifies nouns as an adverbial or adjectival form. The term conveys systematic, lab-based or theoretical chemical consideration, analysis, or application. It implies a precise, methodical approach to the subject at hand, grounded in chemical principles.
Chemically describes something related to chemistry or produced by chemical processes; in science writing it often modifies nouns as an adverbial or adjectival form. The term conveys systematic, lab-based or theoretical chemical consideration, analysis, or application. It implies a precise, methodical approach to the subject at hand, grounded in chemical principles.
"The sample was treated chemically to isolate the active compound."
"Chemically synthesized drugs can be highly pure but require rigorous safety testing."
"They studied the chemically produced catalyst under various temperatures."
Pronounce as /ˈkɛmɪkli/ (US) or /ˈkemɪkli/ (UK). The primary stress is on the first syllable: CHEM-ih-clee. Start with the consonant cluster /k/ plus /ɛ/ as in cat, then /m/ with brief velar closure, followed by a schwa-ish /ɪ/ in the second syllable, and finish with /kli/ where the final /li/ is a clear 'lee'.
Common mistakes include misplacing the stress (saying kee-MIH-klee) and mispronouncing the middle vowel as /eɪ/ or /iː/ instead of a short /ɪ/. Another frequent error is swallowing the second syllable too quickly, producing CHEM-ick-ly. To correct: keep primary stress on the first syllable, use a short /ɪ/ in the second, and clearly articulate the /li/ ending with a light /l/ and a crisp /iː/ if you speak with prolonged vowels.
US/UK/AU share /ˈkɛmɪkli/ overall, but rhoticity affects vowel coloration: US often maintains a rhotic /ɹ/ in rapid connected speech, while non-rhotic accents may have slightly shortened /ɹ/ influence. Vowel height and quality can vary: US /ɛ/ may be closer to /e/ in some dialects; UK speakers may make the first vowel slightly tenser. The ending /li/ may be more clipped in Australian speech, with a shorter /i/ and more pronounced tongue relaxation.
The word combines a stressed first syllable with two closed consonant clusters around it: /k/ + /m/ and the light final /li/. The schwa-like /ɪ/ reduces the second syllable, making the transition from /m/ to /ɪ/ easy to blend if you’re not precise with your vowel length. Additionally, rapid speech can compress the /l/ and /i/ into a near-diphthong for some speakers. Practicing slow, controlled articulation helps you maintain the intended syllable separation.
A unique aspect is maintaining clear syllable separation while keeping natural flow: CHE-MI-CA-LY. Some speakers may merge -ly with preceding consonant, producing chemik-lee. Focus on two things: a crisp /m/ transition into /ɪ/ and a clean liaison to /li/ without adding extra syllables. The final -ly should be a distinct syllable with a clear /l/ onset and /i/ vowel rather than a trailing sound.
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- US: rhotic; emphasize the initial /k/ and keep /ɪ/ short. The /li/ should be a crisp, lightly released syllable. - UK: non-rhotic; less rhotic vowel coloration; keep /ˈkemɪkli/ with a subtle non-rhotic finish on the final cluster. - AU: more centralized vowel qualities and a slightly longer /i/; keep the final /li/ light and bright. Always aim for a crisp stop after /k/ and a clean /l/ onset before /i/.
The word chemically comes from chemical, which derives from the noun chemistry, itself from the Medieval Latin chemia and the Greek khemeia (χημεία), meaning the art of alloying, transmuting metals, or the chemical arts. The Greek khemeia is related to khema, meaning ‘to pour, mingle, or fuse’ and is connected to alchemy and the early attempts to transform substances. Chemistry entered English from Medieval Latin and Old French in the 14th–15th centuries, and by the 18th–19th centuries, ‘chemistry’ had evolved into the science of substances and their reactions. The adverbial form -ically follows the base adjective chemical, formed by adding the suffix -ical (to form an adjective) and then -ly to create the adverb/ adjective form chemically. The sense shifted from describing processes in chemistry to describing actions done by chemical means, intensifying the association with systematic, laboratory-based analysis. First attested in English around the 17th century, the modern usage emphasizes processes or analyses performed by chemical means or relating to chemical science.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "chemically" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "chemically" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "chemically"
-lly sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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