4 syllables: im, port, ant, ly. Stress on port.
/ˌɪˈmpɔɹtəntli/
Say it backImportantly is an adverb used to signal that a statement, point, or consequence is of particular significance or relevance. It often introduces the main takeaway or a crucial aspect to consider, guiding the listener’s attention to what follows. The term is frequently placed at the start or near the outset of sentences for emphasis.
"Importantly, the company reported a significant revenue uptick this quarter."
"Importantly, you should verify the source before sharing the information."
"She has three years of experience in the field, and, importantly, she also leads a team."
Pronounce it as im-ˈpɔːr-tən(t)-li in US/UK approximations. The main stress lands on the second syllable: im-POR-tant-ly. Start with a short i as in ‘sit,’ then /p/ + /ɔː/ (long o as in 'shore'), follow with /r/ with a light tap, and end with /tənt/ before /li/. In American speech you may hear a slightly reduced second vowel: /ɪmˈpɔːrtntli/ in rapid talk. IPA: US /ˌɪmˈpɔːrtəntli/ or /ˌɪmˈpɔːrtntlɪ/; UK /ˌɪmˈpɔːtən(t)li/. Audio reference: consult Pronounce or reputable dictionaries that illustrate ‘importantly’ in IPA and with speaker sound clips.
Two frequent errors: misplacing the stress (stressing the first syllable like 'IM-por-tant-ly') and omitting the schwa in the second-to-last syllable leading to /ɪmˈpɔːrtntlɪ/ with a too-strong /l/ at the end. Correction: keep secondary stress light on the third syllable and clearly articulate the /ə/ (schwa) in -tən- and the final /li/. Another mistake is truncating the word to ‘import-ly,’ dropping the -ant- cluster; ensure you vocalize /tən/ before /li/ to preserve the -t- and schwa sequence.
In US English, the second syllable carries primary emphasis: im-POR-tant-ly, with a rhotic /r/ and clear /ɔː/; the final is /tl i/ with light /l/. UK English tends to slightly longer vowel on /ɔː/ and a crisper /t/; non-rhotic tendencies may soften /r/ before consonants, but in careful speech it remains audible. Australian English often shows a broad /ɔː/ with a more centralized /ə/ in the -tən- portion and a slightly narrower final /li/. IPA cues: US /ˌɪmˈpɔːrtəntli/; UK /ˌɪmˈpɔːtəntli/; AU /ˌɪmˈpɔːtən(t)li/.
It poses multiple challenges: a multi-syllabic word with a strong secondary stress on the second syllable, a mid-to-low back vowel /ɔː/ that can reduce to /ɔ/ in fast speech, and a cluster /rtən/ that tests your ability to link consonants without excessive pause. The final -ly adds a light, closed syllable, requiring precise tongue-tip positioning for the /l/ and a clean /i/. Practicing slow, then normal pace helps stabilize the sequence im-POR-tənt-ly.
The precise middle cluster /rtə/ (r + t + ə) and the subsequent /nt/ demand smooth coarticulation. Learners often fuse /rt/ with /t/ or drop the schwa; maintain a distinct /r/ then an audible /t/ followed by a light /ən/ towards the /l/ in -ly. Trainees should practice noticing the schwa before -ly and ensure the 'nt' is not swallowed, preserving the word’s crisp rhythm.
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Importantly derives from the adjective important, with the suffix -ly forming an adverb. Important itself traces to Medieval Latin importantem (from imporare ‘to bring in’ or ‘to entrust’ via Latin important– ‘important, essential’), linked to the Latin impor(t)are roughly meaning ‘to block up’? The word evolved in English through Old French and Middle English, adopting the sense of significance or value. The modern adverbial form -ly emerged in Middle English as adjectives were commonly converted to adverbs by adding -ly, yielding importantly to modify verbs or whole clauses. The earliest recorded use appears in Early Modern English texts, aligning with other -ly adverbs that emphasize degree or importance. Over time, importantly became a conventional discourse marker in formal and academic registers, signaling emphasis without overt subjective judgment. The word’s usage has remained stable in business, journalism, and education contexts where precise emphasis is required. In contemporary English, importantly is typically placed at the front or near the beginning of a clause to foreground a critical point, often followed by a summary or recommendation.
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Words that rhyme with "importantly"
-tly sounds
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