2 syllables: dear, ly. Stress on dear.
DIR-lee
/ˈdɪɹli/
dearly is pronounced DIR-lee (/ˈdɪɹli/). It has two syllables (dear-ly), with the stress on "dear". Dearly is an adverb meaning 'to a great extent or deeply; with great affection or earnestness.' It also functions as an idiomatic intensifier in expressions like 'dearly beloved' or 'hold dearly to one's beliefs.' The term connotes strong emotion, value, or cost, and can be used in formal or literary contexts as well as everyday speech when describing attachment, importance, or expense.
Dearly is an adverb meaning 'to a great extent or deeply; with great affection or earnestness.' It also functions as an idiomatic intensifier in expressions like 'dearly beloved' or 'hold dearly to one's beliefs.' The term connotes strong emotion, value, or cost, and can be used in formal or literary contexts as well as everyday speech when describing attachment, importance, or expense.
"She spoke dearly of her grandmother and kept her letters close to her heart."
"They paid dearly for the mistake, learning a hard lesson about planning ahead."
"I would dearly love to join you for dinner, if my schedule permits."
US/UK/AU pronunciation centers the stressed first syllable: DEER-lee, with the 'ea' digraph representing /ɪr/ (US) or /ɪə/ (UK/AU). In IPA: US /ˈdɪr.li/, UK/AU /ˈdɪə.li/. The second syllable is a light, unstressed 'ly' (/li/). Keep the initial vowel sound distinct and avoid reducing the first syllable to a schwa. Beginner tip: enunciate 'deer' as /dɪr/ (to mimic the long 'ee' feel) and then add a clear 'ly'.
Two frequent errors: 1) Reducing the first syllable to a schwa (/də-lee/), which softens the essential /ɪr/ or /ɪə/ quality. Correction: maintain a clear /ɪr/ (US) or /ɪə/ (UK/AU) on the first syllable: /ˈdɪr.li/ or /ˈdɪə.li/. 2) Pronouncing the second syllable as a stressed syllable or elongating the 'ly' (/liː/). Correction: keep the second syllable unstressed and short: /li/.
In US English, 'dearly' features /ˈdɪr.li/ with rhotic /r/ in the first syllable. UK/AU typically use /ˈdɪə.li/ with a non-rhotic or semi-rhotic approach, where /r/ is not pronounced unless followed by a vowel. Vowel quality on the first syllable shifts from /ɪr/ (US) to /ɪə/ (UK/AU). The second syllable remains /li/ in all accents, but timing can vary with stress and rhythm.
The challenge lies in the diphthong or vowel cluster in the first syllable: /ɪr/ (US) versus /ɪə/ (UK/AU). Achieving a clean onset for /d/ followed by a stable nucleus /ɪ/ or /ɪə/ and a smooth /r/ (US) without over-articulating the liquid can be tricky. Additionally, keeping the second syllable unstressed and reducing vowel duration in rapid speech requires precise timing and muscle control.
Focus on the transition from the consonant /d/ to the rhotic liquid /ɪr/ (US) or the /ɪə/ (UK/AU). Start with a light alveolar click, then quickly pull into a rounded, relaxed vowel for the r-sound (US). Avoid turning the first syllable into /dæ/ or /də/; keep a bright, crisp nucleus with minimal lip rounding on the /ɪ/ or /ɪə/.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "dearly"!
Dearly comes from the Old English dearle, dearlic, meaning 'valued, precious, costly' with roots tied to ifad meanings of love and value. Over time, the sense shifted toward intensity of emotion and devotion—think of phrases like 'dear to me' or 'dearly beloved.' The form evolved through Middle English into early Modern English as a common adverbial and adjectival intensifier. The common modern spelling and pronunciation coalesced around the 16th–18th centuries, aligning with other adverbial intensifiers such as sadly, greatly, and fully. The semantic trajectory tracks from concrete cost or value to abstract emotional emphasis, while preserving the core sense of high regard and strong attachment. First known written attestations appear in religious and poetic texts, where expressions of affection and solemn reverence frequently used the term to convey depth of feeling.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "dearly" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "dearly" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "dearly" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "dearly"
-rly sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
