yoo-NEE-klee
/juˈnikli/
uniquely is pronounced yoo-NEE-klee (/juˈnikli/). Uniquely describes something in a way that is distinct from all others, or in a manner that is peculiar or singular. It emphasizes individuality or rare characteristics, often implying a special or notable quality. In usage, it can modify nouns or describe actions done in a singular, standout way.
Uniquely describes something in a way that is distinct from all others, or in a manner that is peculiar or singular. It emphasizes individuality or rare characteristics, often implying a special or notable quality. In usage, it can modify nouns or describe actions done in a singular, standout way.
"Her handwriting is uniquely elegant, with flourishes that set it apart."
"The museum offers uniquely curated exhibitions that you won’t find elsewhere."
"He approaches problems uniquely, blending intuition with rigorous analysis."
Pronounce it as /juˈniːkli/ (US/UK/AU share the same IPA). Start with the /j/ glide as in you, then /uˈniː/ where the second syllable carries primary stress on NI, followed by /kli/ with a clear /k/ release and an unstressed /li/. Tip: keep the tongue high for the long /iː/ and avoid a secondary stress on the first syllable. See audio references for hearing the full rhythm.
Common errors include stressing the first syllable instead of the second (you-NEE-kli), and mispronouncing the final /li/ as /lɪ/ or blending /niːk/ into /nɪk/. Correct by keeping primary stress on NI, ensuring the long /iː/ is held, and releasing the final /li/ clearly with a light, almost syllabic /i/. Practice slow, then speed up while maintaining the consonant cluster tightly at the end.
In US/UK/AU, the core /juˈniːkli/ remains consistent, but rhoticity affects potential vowel quality. US speakers may have a slightly more rounded initial /ju/ and a marginally darker /ɪː/ in rapid speech. UK speakers tend to be crisper with the final /li/, and AU speakers may show a marginally shorter second syllable with a tighter mouth position. All maintain the primary stress on NI and the long /ːi/ quality.
Difficulties arise from the stress-timed three-syllable pattern and the long /iː/ diphthong in the second syllable, which demands precise tongue height. The final /li/ requires a clean release without frication. Additionally, many speakers misplace the stress or slur the /k/ into /l/ when speaking quickly. Focusing on distinct syllable boundaries helps solidify accuracy.
The word’s suffix -ly often attaches to adjectives to denote manner; here, /-li/ is a light, unstressed ending that slightly reduces the preceding consonant emphasis. The central /niː/ is long and tense, contrasting with the lighter /li/ at the end. Emphasize the peak on NI and maintain a clean, short release on /k/ before the /l/—avoid vocalizing the final /i/ as a separate vowel or stretching it into a separate syllable.
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Uniquely comes from the combination of unique, which stems from the Latin unicus meaning ‘one, single, sole,’ from unus ‘one.’ The suffix -ly, from Old English -lice or -līce, turns adjectives into adverbs. The word unique itself entered English in the late 16th century via late Latin unicus, derived from uni- ‘one’ and -icus ‘of or belonging to.’ The adverbial form uniquely appears in print around the 17th to 18th centuries, aligning with the shift to more precise adverbial modifiers in English. Over time, uniquely acquired a more specialized emphasis: not merely differently, but in a way that is decidedly one-of-a-kind or characteristic, often used to highlight exceptional or standout attributes or actions. Its cadence and stress pattern reflect a three-syllable rhythm: u-NI-que-ly, with primary stress on NI; the suffix -ly typically marks manner. First known uses appear in scholarly or descriptive prose as editors sought precise modifier adverbs to convey distinctive qualities distinct from the generic “uniquely” in comparison to “unique.”
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "uniquely" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "uniquely" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "uniquely"
-kly sounds
-al) sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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