How to pronounce insular
Say it like IN-suh-ler. Insular has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce insular. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- IN
- suh
- ler
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Insular pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- INSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of insular
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: IN-syuh-luh.
What does insular mean?
- Of or being, pertaining to, situated on, or resembling an island or islands.
- Separate or isolated from the surroundings; having little regard for others opinions or prejudices; provincial.
- Having an inward-looking, standoffish, or withdrawn manner.
- An islander.
Where does insular come from?
Learned borrowing from Latin īnsulāris (“of or belonging to an island”), from īnsula (“an island”), of uncertain origin.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying insular
How do you pronounce insular?
Say IN-suh-ler. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪnsəlɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɪnsjələ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in insular?
Insular has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN). Broken into parts: IN · suh · ler.
Is insular 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 /ˈɪnsjələ/ (IN-syuh-luh).