English pronunciation · Words Starting with I
Insects Pronunciation
Insects is pronounced IN-sekts, IPA /ˈɪnˌsɛkts/.
IN-sekts
US /ˈɪnˌsɛkts/ · UK /ˈɪnsɛkts/
Syllables: IN · sekts (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun (plural of insect): Small six-legged animals such as ants, bees and beetles.
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Insects in a Sentence
- Insects pollinate most of the crops in the valley.
- The lamp attracts insects all evening.
- Many insects live for only a few weeks.
Common Mispronunciations of Insects
Not IN-sek-tuhs
The cts ending is three consonants in a row with no vowel between them: sekts.
Not IN-seks
Dropping the t loses a sound the plural needs. Say the k, then the t, then the s, slowly at first.
Tip: Insect and insects both open loud on IN, so the plural only adds consonants at the back.
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