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Polysyllable: meaning, definitions and examples

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polysyllable

 

[ ˌpɒlɪˈsɪləbəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

linguistics terms

A polysyllable is a word that consists of multiple syllables. In linguistics, it is often contrasted with monosyllables, which are words with a single syllable. Polysyllabic words can vary in length and complexity, typically containing two or more syllables, making them more intricate in pronunciation and meaning than their monosyllabic counterparts. These words are frequently used in both spoken and written language to convey more specific ideas or to create a particular rhythm in poetry and prose.

Synonyms

long word, multisyllable.

Examples of usage

  • International is a polysyllable.
  • Unbelievable contains four syllables.
  • Mathematics is a common polysyllable.
  • Unintentional has five syllables.
  • Incomprehensible can be hard to pronounce.

Translations

Translations of the word "polysyllable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polissílabo

🇮🇳 बहु-स्वर

🇩🇪 Mehrsilber

🇮🇩 polisilabel

🇺🇦 багатоскладовий

🇵🇱 wielosylabowy

🇯🇵 多音節の

🇫🇷 polysyllabe

🇪🇸 polisílabo

🇹🇷 çok heceli

🇰🇷 다음절의

🇸🇦 متعدد المقاطع

🇨🇿 víceslabičný

🇸🇰 viacslabičný

🇨🇳 多音节的

🇸🇮 večzložni

🇮🇸 margt atkvæði

🇰🇿 көп буынды

🇬🇪 ბევრიგზიანი

🇦🇿 çox hecalı

🇲🇽 polisílabo

Etymology

The term 'polysyllable' originates from the Greek word 'polus', meaning 'many', combined with 'syllable', which comes from the Late Latin 'syllaba', stemming from the Greek 'sullabē'. The concept emerged in the study of linguistics, particularly in the analysis of word structure and phonetics. It has been used since at least the 19th century to describe words with multiple syllables, and its importance has grown alongside language studies in education and literary analysis. Understanding polysyllables is crucial for language learners and educators as they often appear in more advanced vocabulary and are essential in fields such as phonology and morphology.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,050, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.