3 syllables: In, sip, id. Stress on sip.
in-SIP-uhd
/ˌɪˈnsɪpəd/
Insipid is pronounced in-SIP-uhd (/ˌɪˈnsɪpəd/). It has three syllables (In-sip-id), with the stress on "sip". Insipid is an adjective describing something lacking in flavor, zest, or excitement. It often refers to dull or bland qualities, ideas, or performances, implying a noticeable absence of strong characteristics or liveliness. In usage, it conveys critique or mild disdain for something considered monotonous or uninspiring.
adjectiveInsipid is an adjective describing something lacking in flavor, zest, or excitement. It often refers to dull or bland qualities, ideas, or performances, implying a noticeable absence of strong characteristics or liveliness. In usage, it conveys critique or mild disdain for something considered monotonous or uninspiring.
"The soup tasted insipid, with no salt or spice to lift its flavor."
"The lecture was insipid, failing to engage the students or spark discussion."
"Her performance left the audience unimpressed, an insipid display of technique rather than emotion."
Pronounce as inˈsi-pəd with stress on the second syllable. IPA: US ɪnˈsɪpɪd, UK ɪnˈsɪpɪd, AU ɪnˈsɪpɪd. Start with a short, quick initial vowel /ɪ/, then a crisp /n/ before the stressed /ˈsɪ/ and the final /pɪd/. The final consonant is a clear /d/. If you say it fast, aim for a light, unaspirated ending to avoid sounding nasal.
Common errors: misplacing stress as inˈɪnsɪpid or sounding like inˈsipɪd with missing the initial /ɪn-/ cluster; pronouncing the second syllable as /iː/ instead of /ɪ/; misarticulating the final /d/ as an unreleased stop or a /t/. Correction: keep the first syllable short /ɪn/, stress the second syllable /ˈsɪ/, use a clean /p/ then a short /ɪ/ before /d/ as in /ɪnˈsɪpɪd/. Practice with a light, quick syllable transition between /s/ and /p/.
US and UK share /ɪnˈsɪpɪd/ with rhoticity not affecting vowels much; Australian also uses /ɪnˈsɪpɪd/ but with a more centralized /ɪ/ and shorter/drier vowel quality. The key differences lie in vowel length and currency of /ɪ/ vs /iː/ in some speakers. In rapid speech, the /ˈsɪ/ may reduce slightly; keep it crisp in all accents. Ensure the final /d/ is voiced and clear in all three.
Two main challenges: a compact cluster around /n-ɪn-sɪ-/ and maintaining the short, clipped first syllable /ɪn/ before the stressed /ˈsɪ/. Some learners over-enunciate the /ɪ/ or insert extra vowel sounds, turning it into /ˌɪnˈsɪpɪd/ or /ɪnˈsiːpid/. Focus on keeping a tight, light onset for /ɪn-/ and a sharp stop after /sɪ/ before the /pɪd/ sequence. IPA cues help: /ɪnˈsɪpɪd/ with a short, punchy final /d/.
Yes. The stress falls on the second syllable: in-SI-pid. The pattern is trochaic-ish (unstressed–stressed–unstressed). Practicing with a syllable-timed rhythm helps: /ɪn/ (unstressed) + /ˈsɪ/ (stressed) + /pɪd/ (unstressed). Keep the second syllable slightly louder and crisper than the others to reflect the natural English rhythm.
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Insipid comes from Middle French insipide, ultimately from Latin insipidus, meaning tasteless or bland. The Latin term is formed from in- (not, lacking) + sapidus (savory, tasteful) from sapor, saporis (taste, flavor). The earliest English use appears in the 15th–16th centuries, initially in medical or culinary contexts to describe bland or flavorless substances. Over time, metaphorical uses extended to describe ideas, personalities, or works lacking zest or interest. The word thus carries both literal culinary connotations and figurative implications of dullness or absence of appeal, with the core sense of being devoid of stimulating flavor or character.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Insipid" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Insipid"
-pid sounds
-ct) sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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