The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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syllable

noun

/ˈsɪl ə bəl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of syllable

A basic unit of sound in a word, typically consisting of a vowel or a combination of consonants and a vowel.
"The poet carefully crafted each syllable to create a melodic rhythm."

Detailed meaning of syllable

It represents a distinct and rhythmic segment of speech that contributes to the formation and pronunciation of words. A syllable is characterized by its own vocalic or consonantal sound, and it serves as a building block for constructing words and organizing spoken language. The number of syllables in a word often determines its rhythm and pronunciation. Syllables can vary in length and complexity, and they play a significant role in the phonetic structure and flow of a language. Understanding the division of words into syllables is important for proper pronunciation and the study of linguistic patterns.

Example sentences containing syllable

1. The word "hello" consists of two syllables: "hel" and "lo."
2. She struggled to pronounce the complex syllables of the foreign language.
3. Clapping your hands can help children identify the syllables in words.
4. In English, the syllable "cat" consists of one vowel and one consonant.
5. He counted the syllables in the haiku to ensure it followed the traditional structure.
6. The word "elephant" has three syllables: "el-e-phant."
7. Learning to divide words into syllables can improve reading skills.
8. The toddler babbled with joy, experimenting with different syllables.

History and etymology of syllable

The noun 'syllable' can be traced back to its Latin origin, 'syllaba,' which was borrowed from the Greek word 'συλλαβή' (syllabē). The Greek term 'συλλαβή' denoted a combination of sounds or letters forming a single unit of pronunciation. It is derived from the verb 'συλλαμβάνω' (syllambanō), meaning 'to take together' or 'to collect.' In linguistic terms, a syllable is indeed a collection of sounds, typically consisting of a vowel or a combination of consonants and a vowel, forming a fundamental unit of sound and pronunciation within a word. The etymology of 'syllable' reflects its historical roots in the ancient languages and its role in linguistic analysis and understanding.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun syllable:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

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Further usage examples of syllable

1. The teacher asked the students to clap out the syllables in their names.
2. The actress's diction was impeccable, enunciating each syllable with precision.
3. The game involved creating as many words as possible using a given set of syllables.
4. The first syllable of that word is quite tricky to pronounce.
5. Please break down the word into syllables for easier learning.
6. His speech was clear, with every syllable enunciated perfectly.
7. I counted each syllable as I practiced my pronunciation.
8. The word "communication" has five syllables in total.
9. Can you identify the stressed syllable in this word?
10. The poetry's rhythm is defined by its syllable count.
11. She struggled with the syllable stress in foreign languages.
12. The English language has many one-syllable words.
13. A haiku consists of three lines with a specific syllable pattern.
14. His stutter improved as he focused on each syllable.
15. The phonetics class explored the nuances of syllable structure.
16. The word puzzle involves matching syllables to form words.
17. Whispering only one syllable, she conveyed her secret message.
18. The poet carefully chose each syllable for maximum impact.
19. He mumbled, making it hard to decipher the syllables.
20. Learning to read involves breaking words into syllables.
21. The teacher emphasized the importance of syllable division.
22. I always struggle with the last syllable of that word.
23. The infant's babbling sounded like random syllables.