How to pronounce intermezzo
Say it like in-ter-MET-soh. Intermezzo has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce intermezzo. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- ter
- MET
- soh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Intermezzo pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- METSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- sohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of intermezzo
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: in-tuh-MET-soh.
What does intermezzo mean?
- A short piece of music or act in the interval of the main spectacle; a theatrical interlude.
- A palate cleanser; a small snack with a bright light neutral taste; a fruit; a fresh sparkling wine; or a fruity or milky cocktail; that is served between courses in a meal.
- A tactical move which interrupts the execution of the current plan.
Where does intermezzo come from?
Borrowed from Italian intermezzo.
Questions about saying intermezzo
How do you pronounce intermezzo?
Say in-ter-MET-soh. The American pronunciation is /ɪntɚˈmɛtsoʊ/. In British English it is /ɪntəˈmɛtsəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in intermezzo?
Intermezzo has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MET). Broken into parts: in · ter · MET · soh.
Is intermezzo 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 /ɪntəˈmɛtsəʊ/ (in-tuh-MET-soh).