4 syllables: Im, pec, ca, bly. Stress on pec.
im-PEK-uh-blee
/ˌɪˈmpɛkəbli/
Impeccably is pronounced im-PEK-uh-blee (/ˌɪˈmpɛkəbli/). It has four syllables (Im-pec-ca-bly), with the stress on "pec". Impeccably is an adverb meaning in an faultless or flawless manner, with the highest standard of cleanliness, accuracy, or propriety. It denotes doing something perfectly, leaving no room for error, often used to describe performance, appearance, or behavior. The term emphasizes precision, discretion, and thorough adherence to rules or expectations.
adverbImpeccably is an adverb meaning in an faultless or flawless manner, with the highest standard of cleanliness, accuracy, or propriety. It denotes doing something perfectly, leaving no room for error, often used to describe performance, appearance, or behavior. The term emphasizes precision, discretion, and thorough adherence to rules or expectations.
How to Pronounce Impeccably
"She dressed impeccably for the gala, every detail perfectly coordinated."
"The service at the restaurant was impeccably attentive from start to finish."
"His report was impeccably organized, with clear, concise conclusions."
Pronounce as im-PECK-uh-blee. IPA: US ɪmˈpek.bli, UK ɪmˈpek.bli. The primary stress is on the second syllable 'pek.' Start with a short, lax 'i' sound, then the pip-sounding 'peck' with a clear 'p' plus a quick 'k' release, followed by an unstressed 'uh' (schwa) and a final light 'blee' with lip rounding for the 'ee' sound. Keep the final -bly light and quick. Audio examples on Pronounce or Forvo can reinforce the subtle vowel timings.
Common errors include diluting the second syllable stress (im-PECK-ably instead of im-PÉCK-ably), mispronouncing the 'ck' as a 'tch' blend, and over-articulating the final -bly. Correct by emphasizing the second syllable with a crisp 'pek' and keeping the final 'bly' lighter and quicker. Practice with minimal pairs, like 'peck' vs 'peaked' to feel the stop consonants; ensure the final 'ee' is a short, clear vowel rather than a long diphthong.
US speakers typically have a more pronounced second syllable with [ˈpek], and the final vowel is a short 'ee' [i], whereas UK and AU varieties may tilt slightly toward [ˈpek.blɪ] with a marginally shorter, clipped final -ly. Rhoticity isn’t central here, but vowel quality in the first and second syllables can shift: US often has a tenser [e] vs UK’s slightly lax /eɪ/ in some rapid enunciations. In all, keep the main stress steady on the second syllable and maintain a clean 'pek' stop.
Because it mixes a strong mid-stress on the second syllable with a consonant cluster 'ck' and a rapid final -bly. The 'pek' requires a crisp plosive release, and the -bly ending is a syllabic light cluster that can blur into 'blee' if rushed. The combination of a short lax initial vowel, a tense mid syllable, and a light final -ly makes timing critical. Practice with slow pacing, then speed up while preserving crisp stops and a short final vowel.
Note that the -ably ending has a reduced, quick -ly in most normal speech; treat it as two light syllables: 'bly' as /bli/ rather than fully articulating 'blee' as a separate vowel. The main challenge is the stress on '-pek-'; keep the mouth in a tight but relaxed position for the 'pek' and then relax into a light 'bli' with a quick, unstressed vowel. IPA reference: /ɪmˈpek.bli/ (US/UK).
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Impeccably"!
Impeccably comes from the adjective impeccable, which itself derives from the Latin impeccabilis, literally meaning not capable of sin or fault. The Latin prefix in- (not) + peccare (to sin, to fail) yields impeccabilis, meaning not able to sin or blemish; the term evolved in ecclesiastical Latin to describe sinless perfection and later broadened to general faultlessness. In English, impeccability appeared by the 16th century in moral or perfect terms, and by the 17th–18th centuries it extended to describe flawless performance, appearance, or execution. The adverbial form impeccably follows the standard English pattern of adding -ly to adjectives ending in -able/-bly, cementing its role as a modifier of manner. The word’s usage has been reinforced in formal writing, high governance, and refined social contexts, where precision and polish are prized. Its semantic trajectory reflects a shift from moral perfection to overall faultlessness in various domains, including aesthetics, technique, and behavior.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Impeccably" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Impeccably" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Impeccably" 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 "Impeccably"
-kly 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.
