How to Pronounce “insolent”

American (US)

/ˈɪn.sə.lənt/

British (UK)

/ˈɪn.sə.lənt/

adjective — Insulting in manner or words, particularly in an arrogant or insubordinate manner.

Where the stress falls. “insolent” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɪn.sə.lənt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈɪn.sə.lənt/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "insolent" mean?

insolent (adjective): Insulting in manner or words, particularly in an arrogant or insubordinate manner.

How do you pronounce "insolent" in American vs British English?

Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "insolent", /ˈɪn.sə.lənt/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.

What is the IPA transcription of "insolent"?

/ˈɪn.sə.lənt/ in American English, /ˈɪn.sə.lənt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "insolent"?

“insolent” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɪn.sə.lənt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.