How to pronounce insubordinate
Say it like in-suh-BOR-duh-nayt. Insubordinate has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce insubordinate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- suh
- BOR
- duh
- nayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Insubordinate 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.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- naytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of insubordinate
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: in-suh-BAW-duh-nayt.
What does insubordinate mean?
- Rebellious or defiant to authority; contumacious.
- A person who defies authority.
Where does insubordinate come from?
From in- + subordinate, on model of French insubordonné.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying insubordinate
How do you pronounce insubordinate?
Say in-suh-BOR-duh-nayt. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnsəˈbɔrdəˌneɪt/. In British English it is /ˌɪnsəˈbɔːdəˌneɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in insubordinate?
Insubordinate has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BOR). Broken into parts: in · suh · BOR · duh · nayt.
Is insubordinate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌɪnsəˈbɔːdəˌneɪt/ (in-suh-BAW-duh-nayt).