How to pronounce interstate
Say it like in-ter-STAYT. Interstate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STAYT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce interstate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- ter
- STAYT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Interstate 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.
- STAYTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of interstate
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 3, while British speakers stress syllable 1.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: IN-tuh-stayt.
What does interstate mean?
- involving and relating to the mutual relations of states especially of the United States“Interstate Highway Commission”“interstate highways”
- one of the system of highways linking major cities in the 48 contiguous states of the United States
Where does interstate come from?
From inter- + state, originally as an adjective only; the noun is by (ellipsis) from interstate highway.
Words that rhyme with interstate
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of interstate.
Questions about saying interstate
How do you pronounce interstate?
Say in-ter-STAYT. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪntɚˈsteɪt/. In British English it is /ˈɪntəˌsteɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in interstate?
Interstate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STAYT). Broken into parts: in · ter · STAYT.
Is interstate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 3, while British speakers stress syllable 1. The British form is /ˈɪntəˌsteɪt/ (IN-tuh-stayt).