How to pronounce insulate
Say it like IN-suu-layt. Insulate 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 insulate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- IN
- suu
- layt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Insulate 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.
- suuKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
- laytKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of insulate
American and British speakers say insulate in essentially the same way: /ˈɪnsʊleɪt/ in the US and /ˈɪnsjʊleɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: IN-syuu-layt.
What does insulate mean?
- To separate, detach, or isolate.
- To separate a body or material from others, e.g. by non-conductors to prevent the transfer of electricity, heat, etc.“Ceramic can be used to insulate power lines.”
- Of pollen or spores, with superficial ornamentation grouped in circular or polygonal areas separated by grooves.
Where does insulate come from?
From Latin īnsula (“isle, island”) + -ate (verb-forming suffix) or from Late Latin īnsulātus (“made an island”), see etymology at -ate.
Questions about saying insulate
How do you pronounce insulate?
Say IN-suu-layt. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪnsʊleɪt/. In British English it is /ˈɪnsjʊleɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in insulate?
Insulate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN). Broken into parts: IN · suu · layt.
Do Americans and Brits say insulate the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɪnsʊleɪt/ and the British form is /ˈɪnsjʊleɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.