How to Pronounce “insurgent”

American (US)

/ɪnˈsəɹd͡ʒənt/

British (UK)

/ɪnˈsəːdʒ(ə)nt/

adjective — Rebellious, opposing authority.

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

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ɪnˈsəɹd͡ʒənt/ 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 "insurgent" mean?

insurgent (adjective): Rebellious, opposing authority.

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

American English: /ɪnˈsəɹd͡ʒənt/. British English: /ɪnˈsəːdʒ(ə)nt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "insurgent"?

/ɪnˈsəɹd͡ʒənt/ in American English, /ɪnˈsəːdʒ(ə)nt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "insurgent"?

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