4 syllables: In, ter, mit, tent. Stress on mit.
in-tur-MIT-uhnt
/ˌɪntɚˈmɪtənt/
Intermittent is pronounced in-tur-MIT-uhnt (/ˌɪntɚˈmɪtənt/). It has four syllables (In-ter-mit-tent), with the stress on "mit". Intermittent is an adjective describing something that occurs at irregular intervals; not continuous, with gaps or pauses. It characterizes events that happen intermittently rather than in a steady, ongoing flow. In practice, it often describes symptoms, failures, or processes that stop and start over time.
nounIntermittent is an adjective describing something that occurs at irregular intervals; not continuous, with gaps or pauses. It characterizes events that happen intermittently rather than in a steady, ongoing flow. In practice, it often describes symptoms, failures, or processes that stop and start over time.
"The storm produced intermittent rain throughout the afternoon."
"She faced intermittent outages in her internet connection."
"Intermittent fasting involves eating within a specific window and fasting outside of it."
Broken down as in-ter-MIT-tent. Primary stress on MIT (the third syllable). IPA US: /ˌɪn.təˈrɪm.tənt/, UK: /ˌɪn.təˈrɪm.tənt/, AU: /ˌɪn.təˈrɪm.tənt/. Start with a light initial syllable, emphasize the second-to-last syllable’s consonant cluster, and end with a soft -tənt. Try isolating the syllables: in- (unstressed) + ter- (unstressed) + meth- (MIT) + ent (tunt). Audio cues: the “MIT” has crisp /t/ and the following /ə/ is a quick schwa before the final /nt/.
Common errors include stressing the wrong syllable (placing stress on IN- or TER-), pronouncing a clipped or silent -t in -tent, and mispronouncing the mid syllable as /ri/ instead of /rə/. Correction: use the stressed /ˈrɪm/ chunk in the third syllable, ensure the /t/ is released clearly before the final /ən(t)/, and maintain a light, unstressed first two syllables. Practice with the rhythm: in-ter-ˈrɪm-tənt, saying the MIT clearly and then a soft -tənt.
US and UK share the same four-syllable pattern, but US often rhymes the final -ent with a lighter /ənt/ whereas UK may have a slightly broader /t/ release and a marginally reduced second syllable. In Australian speech, you may hear a more pronounced schwa in the second syllable and a softer /t/ before -ent. Overall, the main difference is the vowel quality of the unstressed syllables and the exact aspiration on the /t/ in -tent.
The challenge lies in the multi-syllable rhythm and the mid syllable /ˈrɪm/ cluster with the surrounding weak vowels. The primary stress falls on the third syllable, which can trip learners who anticipate a simpler three-syllable pattern. Also, the articulation requires a clear /t/ release and a subsequent /ə/ before the final /nt/. Keeping the timing even across eight phonemes is essential.
There are no silent letters in intermittent. Each syllable contains a vowel sound: in-ter-MIT-tent. The final -ent is pronounced with a clear /ənt/ rather than a silent ending, and the /t/ in -tent is released. Practicing with careful enunciation of each consonant helps ensure the final syllable remains audible.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Intermittent"!
Intermittent comes from the Latin prefix inter- meaning 'between' or 'among' plus mitt- from the verb mittere meaning 'to send' (via the form mitt- as in admit, transmit). The form intermissus in Latin described something that is interrupted or suspended between actions. In English, the term developed in the 16th–17th centuries to denote events that occur at intervals, i.e., between periods of activity. The core notion centers on gaps or pauses within a sequence, rather than uninterrupted progression. The word traveled through French and other Romance-language influences before being adopted into English with the modern sense of “not continuous; occurring at irregular intervals.” Through the centuries, the idea of pauses, recesses, and breaks remained central, whether applied to weather patterns, symptoms, or mechanical performance. The etymology thus reflects the dual concept of “between” and “sending” (as in a process that is intermittently active), anchoring the idea of alternating states rather than a constant state of operation. First known uses appear in medical and scientific discourse where phenomena repeatedly begin and stop, later expanding to everyday use in describing anything not steady or continuous.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Intermittent" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Intermittent" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Intermittent" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Intermittent"
-ent sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
