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Polysyllabic: meaning, definitions and examples

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polysyllabic

 

[ ˌpɒlɪˈsɪləbɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

language structure

The term 'polysyllabic' refers to words that contain multiple syllables. These words can be contrasted with monosyllabic words, which consist of only one syllable. The use of polysyllabic words is often associated with formal or academic writing, where more complex expressions are preferred. The ability to recognize and utilize polysyllabic vocabulary is an important aspect of language development and literacy.

Synonyms

complex, multisyllabic

Examples of usage

  • The word 'unbelievable' is polysyllabic.
  • Children learn polysyllabic words in school.
  • Polysyllabic expressions can enhance communication.

Translations

Translations of the word "polysyllabic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polissilábico

🇮🇳 बहु-व्यंजनात्मक

🇩🇪 mehrsilbig

🇮🇩 polisilabik

🇺🇦 полісилабічний

🇵🇱 polisylabiczny

🇯🇵 多音節の

🇫🇷 polysyllabique

🇪🇸 polisilábico

🇹🇷 çok heceli

🇰🇷 다음 음절의

🇸🇦 متعدد المقاطع

🇨🇿 víceslabičný

🇸🇰 polisylabický

🇨🇳 多音节的

🇸🇮 polisilabičen

🇮🇸 fjórtán atkvæði

🇰🇿 көп буынды

🇬🇪 ბევრი სილაბური

🇦🇿 çox hecalı

🇲🇽 polisilábico

Etymology

The word 'polysyllabic' originates from the Greek words 'poly' meaning 'many' and 'syllabē' meaning 'syllable'. It was formed in the early 19th century, where it began to be used in linguistic discussions to describe words with multiple syllables. The prefix 'poly-' has been utilized in English to denote 'many' in various contexts, such as 'polygon' and 'polygamy'. This term has gained importance in the study of phonetics and language teaching, highlighting how syllable structure can affect speech and understanding. The focus on polysyllabic words is especially notable in education, as they are seen as markers of a more advanced vocabulary acquisition.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,539 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.