How to pronounce insensitive
Say it like in-SEN-suh-tiv. Insensitive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce insensitive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- SEN
- suh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Insensitive 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.
- SENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of insensitive
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: in-SEN-suh-tiv.
What does insensitive mean?
- Expressing or feeling little or no concern, care, compassion, or consideration for the feelings, emotions, sentiments, or concerns of other people; inconsiderate or incompassionate.
- Not expressing normal physical feeling.
- Not expressing normal emotional feelings; cold; tactless; undiplomatic.
Where does insensitive come from?
From in- + sensitive.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with insensitive
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of insensitive.
Questions about saying insensitive
How do you pronounce insensitive?
Say in-SEN-suh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈsɛnsətɪv/. In British English it is /ˌɪnˈsɛnsətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in insensitive?
Insensitive has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEN). Broken into parts: in · SEN · suh · tiv.
Is insensitive pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˌɪnˈsɛnsətɪv/ (in-SEN-suh-tiv).