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How to pronounce intersex

Say it like IN-ter-seks. Intersex has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN).

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Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce intersex. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.

US American/ˈɪntərsɛks/IN-ter-seks
UK British/ˈɪntəsɛks/IN-tuh-seks
  • IN
  • ter
  • seks
  • Main stress
  • Lighter stress
  • Unstressed

Intersex pronunciation, sound by sound

Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.

  1. INSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
  2. terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
  3. seksKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.

American vs British pronunciation of intersex

  • Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.

British respelling: IN-tuh-seks.

What does intersex mean?

adjective
  1. Of an individual, having any of a variety of inherent conditions (in a species with distinct sexes) in which one's sex characteristics differ from those of a typical male and female; for example, having sex characteristics relating to both male and female sexes.
noun
  1. The condition of being intersex; intersexuality.
  2. An individual with any of these conditions.
  3. A person who can get pregnant and also impregnate someone else.

Where does intersex come from?

Borrowed from German Intersexe.

Questions about saying intersex

How do you pronounce intersex?

Say IN-ter-seks. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪntərsɛks/. In British English it is /ˈɪntəsɛks/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.

How many syllables are in intersex?

Intersex has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IN). Broken into parts: IN · ter · seks.

Is intersex 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 /ˈɪntəsɛks/ (IN-tuh-seks).

Pronunciation from Wiktionary; meaning and origin adapted from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).