How to Pronounce “interpolate”

American (US)

/ɪnˈtɝ.pəˌleɪt/

British (UK)

/ɪnˈtɜː.pəˌleɪt/

Australian (AU)

/ɪnˈtɜː.pəˌlæɪt/

verb — To introduce (something) between other things; especially to insert (possibly spurious) words into a text.

Example: in verse 74, the second line is clearly interpolated, probably by some unknown medieval scribe.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ɪnˈtɝ.pəˌleɪt/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “interpolate” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “interpolate” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɪnˈtɝ.pəˌleɪt/ 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. /ɪnˈtɝ.pəˌleɪt/ 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 "interpolate" mean?

interpolate (verb): To introduce (something) between other things; especially to insert (possibly spurious) words into a text. For example — in verse 74, the second line is clearly interpolated, probably by some unknown medieval scribe.

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

American English: /ɪnˈtɝ.pəˌleɪt/. British English: /ɪnˈtɜː.pəˌleɪt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "interpolate"?

/ɪnˈtɝ.pəˌleɪt/ in American English, /ɪnˈtɜː.pəˌleɪt/ in British English, /ɪnˈtɜː.pəˌlæɪt/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "interpolate"?

“interpolate” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɪnˈtɝ.pəˌleɪt/ 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.