How to pronounce insubstantial
Say it like in-sub-STAN-shul. Insubstantial has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STAN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce insubstantial. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- sub
- STAN
- shul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Insubstantial 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.
- subKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- STANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- shulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of insubstantial
American and British speakers say insubstantial in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnsəbˈstænʃəl/ in the US and /ˌɪnsəbˈstænʃəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-sub-STAN-shul.
What does insubstantial mean?
- Lacking substance; not real or strong.“The bridge was insubstantial and would not safely carry a car.”
Where does insubstantial come from?
Probably from Middle French insubstantiel, from Latin insubstantiālis, from in- + substantiālis.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with insubstantial
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of insubstantial.
Questions about saying insubstantial
How do you pronounce insubstantial?
Say in-sub-STAN-shul. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnsəbˈstænʃəl/. In British English it is /ˌɪnsəbˈstænʃəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in insubstantial?
Insubstantial has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STAN). Broken into parts: in · sub · STAN · shul.
Do Americans and Brits say insubstantial the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnsəbˈstænʃəl/ and the British form is /ˌɪnsəbˈstænʃəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.