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How to Pronounce “intrinsic”

Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.

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American (US)
/ɪnˈtɹɪn.zɪk/
British (UK)
/ɪnˈtɹɪn.zɪk/

adjective — Belonging naturally to something; essential to its nature.

Example: Curiosity is intrinsic to good research.

Synonyms: inherent, innate

Antonyms: extrinsic

Where the stress falls. “intrinsic” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ɪnˈtɹɪn.zɪk/ 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.

What does "intrinsic" mean?

intrinsic (adjective): Belonging naturally to something; essential to its nature. For example — Curiosity is intrinsic to good research.

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

Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "intrinsic", /ɪnˈtɹɪn.zɪk/, 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 "intrinsic"?

/ɪnˈtɹɪn.zɪk/ in American English, /ɪnˈtɹɪn.zɪk/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "intrinsic"?

“intrinsic” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ɪnˈtɹɪn.zɪk/ 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.

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