How to pronounce intersect
Say it like in-ter-SEKT. Intersect has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SEKT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce intersect. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- ter
- SEKT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Intersect 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.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- SEKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of intersect
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: in-tuh-SEKT.
What does intersect mean?
- To cut into or between; to cut or cross mutually; to divide into parts.“Parallel lines don't intersect.”
- Of two sets, to have at least one element in common.
- Between sects; intersectarian.
Where does intersect come from?
From Latin intersecare (“to cut between, cut off”), from inter (“between”) + secare (“to cut”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with intersect
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of intersect.
Questions about saying intersect
How do you pronounce intersect?
Say in-ter-SEKT. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪntɚˈsɛkt/. In British English it is /ɪntəˈsɛkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in intersect?
Intersect has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SEKT). Broken into parts: in · ter · SEKT.
Is intersect 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 /ɪntəˈsɛkt/ (in-tuh-SEKT).