Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

intersect

/ɪntɚˈsɛkt/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.19 in modern English

Syllables: in-ter-sect
IPA: /ɪntɚˈsɛkt/

11

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

3

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To cut into or between; to cut or cross mutually; to divide into parts.

verb

Of two sets, to have at least one element in common.

adj

Between sects; intersectarian.

Example Sentences

"Parallel lines don't intersect."
"Any two diameters of a circle intersect each other at the centre."
"Lands intersected by a narrow frith / Abhor each other."

Etymology

From Latin intersecare (“to cut between, cut off”), from inter (“between”) + secare (“to cut”).

Origin

Source language: Latin

Word Breakdown

Prefix: inter-
Root: *sek-, intersecare
Suffix: sect

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ɪntɚˈsɛkt/
British English: /ɪntəˈsɛkt/

Inflected Forms

intersects (present, singular) intersecting (participle, present) intersected (participle, past) intersected (past) more intersect (comparative) most intersect (superlative)

Derived Forms

intersectin intersectingly intersector nonintersecting unintersected

Frequently Paired Words

intersection intersectional intersectionalism intersectionalist intersectionalistic intersectionality intersectionally

Synonyms

cross

Rhymes With

perfect respect effect expect subject protect direct self-respect correct affect checked suspect

Questions

How do you pronounce intersect?: The recorded pronunciation is /ɪntɚˈsɛkt/.
What does intersect mean?: To cut into or between; to cut or cross mutually; to divide into parts.
Where does intersect come from?: It is traced to Latin.

How to pronounce intersect

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “intersect”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ɪntɚˈsɛkt/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “intersect”.
Repeat and practice — Say “intersect” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.