3 syllables: To, tal, ly. Stress on To.
TOH-tuh-lee
/ˈtoʊtəli/
Totally is pronounced TOH-tuh-lee (/ˈtoʊtəli/). It has three syllables (To-tal-ly), with the stress on "To". Totally is an adverb meaning completely or without exception. It emphasizes the degree of something and is commonly used in casual speech, often with a rising or questioning intonation. In formal writing it is less preferred, but in speech it signals strong agreement or certainty about a statement.
adverbTotally is an adverb meaning completely or without exception. It emphasizes the degree of something and is commonly used in casual speech, often with a rising or questioning intonation. In formal writing it is less preferred, but in speech it signals strong agreement or certainty about a statement.
"I totally agree with your plan."
"That concert was totally amazing from start to finish."
"She is totally exhausted after the marathon."
Pronounce it as /ˈtoʊ.təl/ in US usage and /ˈtəʊ.təl/ in UK usage. The first syllable carries primary stress. Start with a clean diphthong /oʊ/ in US, then reduce the second syllable to a schwa /tə/ or /təl/ with light emphasis. In fast speech you may hear /ˈtoʊ.dl̩/ or /ˈtəʊ.dl̩/ with the second syllable syllabic consonant. Practice by isolating the two syllables clearly, then blend them smoothly for natural rhythm.
Common errors include dropping the vowel in the second syllable or turning the second syllable into a clear fully articulated /əl/ instead of a quick /l/ or /əl/ reduction. Another mistake is misplacing the stress, saying /ˈtoʊ.təl/ with a weak first syllable or a clipped /ˈtə.l/ with a too-short second syllable. Correct by emphasizing the first syllable /ˈtoʊ/ with a full diphthong and reducing the second toward a schwa or a light /l/ sound, especially in fast speech.
US: primary stress on the first syllable with a clear /oʊ/ diphthong and a slightly reduced second syllable. UK: /ˈtəʊ.təl/ with a longer monophthong-like /əʊ/ and more rounded vowel quality; possible vowel length differences. AU: similar to UK but with distinctive Australian vowels; /ˈtɒl.li/ is not typical for totally; generally maintain /ˈtəʊ.təl/ to align with rhoticity differences and non-rhotic tendencies. In all, the second syllable tends to be lighter and quicker than the first. IPA varies slightly by speaker, but focus on a strong first syllable and a reduced second.
The difficulty lies in the rapid vowel transitions in the first syllable /oʊ/ or /əʊ/ and the reduced, unstressed second syllable that often becomes a quick /tə/ or /dl̩/. Many speakers over-articulate the second syllable, causing a flat or elongated ending. Achieve natural flow by maintaining a crisp diphthong in the first syllable with a relaxed, almost silent second syllable, and practice linking to the following word smoothly.
Unique aspect: the second syllable can be syllabic or near-syllabic in rapid speech, producing forms like /ˈtoʊ.dl̩/ or /ˈtə.dl̩/. This compression is common in casual American English and can challenge learners who expect a fully pronounced /əl/. Practice by producing a light, quick /l/ or syllabic /l̩/ in the second syllable, ensuring the first syllable remains prominent. This yields natural, idiomatic speech in conversational contexts.
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Totally derives from the adjective total, via the adverbial formation common in English where -al is changed to -ly to form an adverb indicating degree. The root total comes from Latin totus meaning whole or entire, through Old French totel and Middle English total. The modern usage as an emphatic adverb grew in the 19th and 20th centuries, proliferating in informal American and British speech. Early uses appear in literary correspondence and journalism as a way to signal complete extent, eventually adopting the colloquial emphasis that characterizes contemporary spoken English. Its first known written uses are tied to expressions of full extent or entirety, and over time it became a staple in casual, energetic discourse, especially in youth slang and media dialogue. The evolution reflects a shift from literal completeness to colloquial intensity. Often paired with rising intonation to convey enthusiastic affirmation in conversation.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Totally" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Totally"
-oly sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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