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Syllable: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ค
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syllable

 

[ หˆsษชl.ษ™.bษ™l ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

linguistics unit

A syllable is a fundamental unit of speech that consists of a vowel sound, alone or accompanied by one or more consonant sounds. It is often considered the building block of words, as words are composed of one or more syllables. The syllable typically contains a nucleus, which is usually a vowel, and may also have an onset (the initial consonant sounds) and a coda (the ending consonant sounds). Understanding syllables is essential for the study of phonetics and phonology, as they play a critical role in the rhythm and structure of spoken language.

Synonyms

beat, pulse, segment

Examples of usage

  • The word 'banana' has three syllables.
  • Each syllable in 'watermelon' can be pronounced separately.
  • In English poetry, the meter is often determined by the arrangement of syllables.

Translations

Translations of the word "syllable" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sรญlaba

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคพเค•เฅเคทเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Silbe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ suku kata

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะบะปะฐะด

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sylaba

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้Ÿณ็ฏ€

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท syllabe

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ sรญlaba

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hece

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์Œ์ ˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู‚ุทุน

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sylaba

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ sylaba

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้Ÿณ่Š‚

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sloga

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรญlabo

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑัƒั‹ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ˜แƒšแƒแƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hece

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ sรญlaba

Word origin

The word 'syllable' originates from the Middle English 'silable,' which in turn comes from the Old French 'syllabe.' This French term was derived from the Latin 'syllaba,' which itself comes from the Ancient Greek word 'ฯƒฯ…ฮปฮปฮฑฮฒฮฎ' (syllabฤ“), meaning 'a taking together' or 'a grouping.' The Greek word is formed from 'ฯƒฯ…ฮฝ' (sun), meaning 'together,' and 'ฮปฮฑฮผฮฒฮฌฮฝฮตฮนฮฝ' (lambanein), meaning 'to take.' The concept of syllables has been integral to the study of language since the ancient Greeks, who viewed syllables as essential in the structure of words and verse. Over the centuries, the understanding and analysis of syllables have evolved, significantly contributing to linguistic theory and phonetics.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,908 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.