How to Pronounce “interpolation”

American (US)

/ɪnˌtɝ.pəˈleɪʃən/

British (UK)

/ɪnˌtɜː.pəˈleɪʃən/

Australian (AU)

/ɪnˌtɜː.pəˈleɪʃən/

noun — An abrupt change in elements, with continuation of the first idea.

Where the stress falls. “interpolation” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ɪnˌtɝ.pəˈleɪʃən/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the fourth one — so the fourth syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ɪnˌtɝ.pəˈleɪʃən/ 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 "interpolation" mean?

interpolation (noun): An abrupt change in elements, with continuation of the first idea.

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

American English: /ɪnˌtɝ.pəˈleɪʃən/. British English: /ɪnˌtɜː.pəˈleɪʃən/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "interpolation"?

/ɪnˌtɝ.pəˈleɪʃən/ in American English, /ɪnˌtɜː.pəˈleɪʃən/ in British English, /ɪnˌtɜː.pəˈleɪʃən/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "interpolation"?

“interpolation” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ɪnˌtɝ.pəˈleɪʃən/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the fourth one — so the fourth syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.