Interpolate is a verb meaning to insert something—such as a remark or data—into a text, conversation, or sequence, often between existing elements. In mathematics or data contexts, it refers to estimating values within a range of known data points. The term carries connotations of insertion or interpolation rather than substitution, and can imply embellishment or addition.
"The researcher interpolated missing values in the dataset using a linear model."
"During the interview, she interpolated a personal anecdote to illustrate her point."
"The editor interpolated a note into the manuscript to clarify a reference."
"When graphing the trend, you can interpolate values between the measured data points."
Interpolate derives from late Middle English interpolate, from Latin interpolatus, past participle of interpolare, from inter- ‘between’ + polare ‘to fold, shape’ (from polus ‘folded’). The term emerges in the 15th century in Latin and Early Modern English, originally meaning to alter a text by inserting new material, often in a way that is not original to the author. The sense broadened in mathematics and statistics in the 17th–19th centuries to denote inserting estimated values within a sequence of known data points, rather than simply editing text. Throughout its evolution, interpolate retained the core idea of placing something between existing elements, whether words, data, or events, and occasionally taking on connotations of interpolation error or embellishment depending on the context.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Interpolate" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Interpolate"
-ate sounds
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Pronounce as /ˌɪn.tər.pəˈleɪt/ in US English, with primary stress on the last syllable -elate. Break it as in-TER-po-late; the first syllable is short, the second is a Schwa-ish /ər/; the final is /leɪt/. In careful speech, keep the /t/ and /l/ clear before the /eɪt/ vowel. Audio references: you can compare with dictionary audio in Cambridge/Oxford or Forvo entries for 'interpolate' to hear the exact US/UK realizations.
Common mistakes include misplacing the stress (often shifting to -po-late), blending /ˌɪn.tər.pəˈleɪt/ too flatly so the final /leɪt/ sounds like /let/ or /ləte/. Another error is pronouncing /t/ as a hard stop without the light, aspirated release before /ə/; ensure a brief, light /t/ between /r/ and /p/. Practice keeping a clear /ɡ/ or /d/? dash? No. Focus on correct syllable boundary and vowel quality: /ˌɪn.tər.pəˈleɪt/.
In US and UK, the final /eɪt/ is a diphthong with a rising quality; rhoticity affects the /ɹ/ in the second syllable in American speech, often pronounced with a light /ɹ/ sound. Australian English generally preserves /ˌɪn.tə.pəˈleɪt/ with a non-rhotic feel and slightly more centralized vowels in the middle syllables. The main differences lie in rhotic presence and vowel quality of the middle /ə/ and the final /eɪ/ diphthong, while the stress pattern remains the same.
The difficulty centers on the combination of a multi-syllabic word with a complicated vowel sequence in the final syllable /leɪt/ and the mid syllable /ər/ that can blur with /t/ and /p/ consonants in fast speech. Additionally, the stress falls on the penultimate? Wait—stress on the last syllable /-leɪt/ in careful speech; balancing the schwa in /ər/ with a clear /t/ release creates a subtle rhythm challenge. Pay attention to the transition between /ər/ and /p/ and then /leɪt/.
In standard varieties, /tər/ is accurate in American and many British pronunciations: the second syllable is a reduced /tər/ with a schwa-like /ə/ or rhotacized variant depending on the dialect. In careful, careful speech, keep a clear but short /t/ followed by a reduced /ər/ before the /p/ onset. The key is a light, quick transition into the final /leɪt/.
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