How to pronounce insane
Say it like in-SAYN. Insane has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SAYN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce insane. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- SAYN
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Insane pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SAYNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of insane
American and British speakers say insane in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnˈseɪn/ in the US and /ɪnˈseɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-SAYN.
What does insane mean?
- afflicted with or characteristic of mental derangement“was declared insane”“insane laughter”
- very foolish“harebrained ideas”“took insane risks behind the wheel”
Where does insane come from?
From Latin īnsānus (“unsound in mind; mad, insane”), from in- + sānus (“sound, sane”), equivalent to in- + sane.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with insane
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of insane.
Questions about saying insane
How do you pronounce insane?
Say in-SAYN. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈseɪn/. In British English it is /ɪnˈseɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in insane?
Insane has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SAYN). Broken into parts: in · SAYN.
Do Americans and Brits say insane the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnˈseɪn/ and the British form is /ɪnˈseɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.