How to pronounce insistent
Say it like in-SIS-tunt. Insistent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SIS).
- in
- SIS
- tunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Insistent 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.
- SISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of insistent
American and British speakers say insistent in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnˈsɪstənt/ in the US and /ɪnˈsɪstənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-SIS-tunt.
What does insistent mean?
- Urgent in dwelling upon anything; persistent in urging or maintaining.
- Extorting attention or notice; coercively staring or prominent; vivid; intense.
- Standing on end: specifically said of the hind toe of a bird when its base is inserted so high on the shank that only its tip touches the ground: correlated with incumbent.
Where does insistent come from?
From Latin insistens, participle of insisto.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with insistent
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of insistent.
Questions about saying insistent
How do you pronounce insistent?
Say in-SIS-tunt. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈsɪstənt/. In British English it is /ɪnˈsɪstənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in insistent?
Insistent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SIS). Broken into parts: in · SIS · tunt.
Do Americans and Brits say insistent the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnˈsɪstənt/ and the British form is /ɪnˈsɪstənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.