syllable
syllable — noun
1. one of the separate sound parts that make up a word when you say it, each contai
one of the separate sound parts that make up a word when you say it, each containing at least one vowel sound
Sumin clapped once for each syllable in her name.
collocation: clap + for each syllable
When teaching young children to read, Adaeze breaks each word into its syllables.
collocation: break into syllables
The word 'strengths' has nine letters but only one syllable.
The first syllable of 'about' is said more quietly than the second.
Jack tapped his finger on the table for every syllable he heard.
文法句型
syllable + of + noun
number + syllable + adjective (word/language)
用法筆記
A syllable always contains one vowel sound, though the number of letters can vary widely. For example, 'eye' has three letters but only one syllable, while 'emphasise' has ten letters across three syllables.
常見錯誤
syllable — verb
1. to divide a word or line of poetry into its spoken sound units, showing which pa
to divide a word or line of poetry into its spoken sound units, showing which parts form each syllable
Nikhil carefully syllabled each line of the sonnet before reading it to the class.
formal register: syllable as verb in literary context
In the linguistics workshop, Antonia was asked to syllable the word 'unbelievable' correctly.
Dictionaries often syllable words with small dots placed between each spoken part.
The teacher asked the class to syllable the word 'alphabet' and then say it aloud.
- syllabify
more common technical term in linguistics for the same action
- syllabicate
less common variant; means the same thing
文法句型
syllable + noun phrase (a word / a line of verse)
用法筆記
Almost exclusively used in academic or technical writing about language. In everyday conversation, speakers use 'divide into syllables' or 'break into syllables' instead.
2. to speak something very slowly and clearly, saying each syllable separately, oft
to speak something very slowly and clearly, saying each syllable separately, often to show emphasis or to help someone understand
The teacher syllabled the instruction slowly so the beginner could catch every word.
literary register: syllable as verb of slow, emphatic speech
Beatrix syllabled her name in frustration, 'Be-a-trix!', as she knocked on the locked door.
The old man syllabled the foreign address slowly for the taxi driver.
Élise syllabled the unfamiliar name on the form before handing it back.
文法句型
syllable + noun phrase (speech / utterance)
用法筆記
A very rare, literary verb. In ordinary English, phrases like 'say slowly and clearly', 'say syllable by syllable', or 'spell out' are used instead.