weakly

Syllables:
weak·ly
2 syllables
weakly in syllables

About "weakly"

Syllables
2
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "weakly" into Syllables

The word weakly is divided into 2 syllables: weak·ly. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • weak — 1st syllable
  • ly — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of weakly:

  • IPA: /ˈwiːkli/

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📖 Definitions

  1. weakly (comparative weaklier, superlative weakliest)
  2. Frail, sickly or of a delicate constitution; weak.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Old English wāclīċe (“weakly”), equivalent to weak +‎ -ly (adjectival suffix); compare Old English wāclīċ (“weak; ignoble; mean”), and Old Norse veikligr (“weakly; sick”); both ultimately from Proto-Germanic *waikalīkaz (“weakly; weak”). From Middle English weykly, equivalent to weak +‎ -ly (adverbial suffix). Compare Old High German weihlīcho (“weakly”), Middle English wocliche, wokli, wacliche (both from Proto-Germanic *waikalīkō).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down weakly into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare weakly with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
weakly 2 weak·ly
waggly 2 wagg-ly
wkly 2 wk-ly
wiggle 1 wiggle
wassail 2 was-sail

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to weakly:

weak, weal, wean, wear, weary, weave, weaken, wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions About "weakly"

How many syllables does "weakly" have?

weakly has 2 syllables: weak·ly. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "weakly"?

The stress is on the first syllable: weak. This means you emphasize the "weak" part when pronouncing weakly.

How do you pronounce "weakly"?

weakly is pronounced as /ˈwiːkli/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: weak·ly.

Is "weakly" easy to spell?

Breaking weakly into syllables helps with spelling: weak·ly. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "weakly" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.