How to pronounce intersperse
Say it like in-ter-SPURS. Intersperse has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SPURS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce intersperse. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- ter
- SPURS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Intersperse 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.
- SPURSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of intersperse
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: in-tuh-SPURS.
What does intersperse mean?
- To mix two things irregularly, placing things of one kind among things of other.
- To scatter or insert something into or among other things.“When writing, I intersperse details.”
- To diversify by placing or inserting other things among something.“Mother Nature interspersed the petunias with a few dandelions, but it was a pretty garden, anyway.”
Where does intersperse come from?
From Latin interspergō, interspersus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with intersperse
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of intersperse.
Questions about saying intersperse
How do you pronounce intersperse?
Say in-ter-SPURS. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪntɚˈspɝs/. In British English it is /ˌɪntəˈspɜːs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in intersperse?
Intersperse has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SPURS). Broken into parts: in · ter · SPURS.
Is intersperse 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 /ˌɪntəˈspɜːs/ (in-tuh-SPURS).