Hyphenation ofambassador-at-large
Syllable Division:
am-bas-sa-dor-at-large
Phonetic Transcription:(how the word sounds using IPA symbols)
/æmˈbæsədər æt lɑːrdʒ/
Stress Pattern:(which syllables are emphasized when speaking)
001001
Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('sa'). Secondary stress falls on the last syllable ('large'). The remaining syllables are unstressed.
Syllables are the building blocks of words - each one typically contains a vowel sound
Open syllable, vowel sound at the end.
Open syllable, vowel sound at the end.
Open syllable, vowel sound at the end.
Open syllable, vowel sound at the end.
Open syllable, vowel sound at the end.
Closed syllable, consonant cluster at the end. Secondary stress.
Morphemes are the smallest meaningful parts of words: prefixes (beginning), roots (core meaning), and suffixes (ending)
Prefix: am-
Latin origin, historically meaning 'both' or 'around', contributing to the sense of representation.
Root: bass-
Latin *basis*, meaning 'foundation' or 'step', relating to the position of authority.
Suffix: -ador
Latin agentive suffix, denoting a person who performs the action - 'one who pleads a case'.
An official representative of a country who is not permanently stationed in a foreign capital.
Examples:
"The president dispatched an ambassador-at-large to negotiate the treaty."
Words with similar syllable patterns or pronunciation features
Similar syllable structure and stress pattern.
Similar syllable structure and stress pattern.
Similar syllable structure and stress pattern.
The linguistic principles used to determine where syllables begin and end
Open Syllable Rule
Syllables generally end in a vowel sound. Division occurs before the next consonant.
Closed Syllable Rule
Syllables ending in a consonant sound. Division occurs before the consonant cluster.
Important exceptions or unusual features in this word's pronunciation or structure
The hyphenated nature of the word and the 'at-large' portion functioning as a post-nominal phrase.
The secondary stress on 'large' is somewhat unusual but consistent with pronunciation.
Summary:
The word 'ambassador-at-large' is divided into six syllables: am-bas-sa-dor-at-large. Primary stress falls on 'sa', with secondary stress on 'large'. It's a compound noun with Latin roots and a post-nominal adverbial phrase. Syllabification follows standard English open and closed syllable rules.
Detailed Analysis:
Linguistic Analysis of "ambassador-at-large" (English (GB))
1. Pronunciation:
The word is pronounced /æmˈbæsədər æt lɑːrdʒ/ in General British English.
2. Syllable Division:
The syllable division, adhering to the rule of using only original letters, is: am-bas-sa-dor-at-large
3. Morphemic Analysis:
- Prefix: am- (Latin, meaning 'both' or 'around' - though its function here is more historical, contributing to the sense of representation)
- Root: bass- (Latin basis, meaning 'foundation' or 'step' - relating to the position of authority)
- Suffix: -ador (Latin, agentive suffix, denoting a person who performs the action - 'one who pleads a case')
- Interfix: -at- (English, connecting element)
- Suffix: -large (Old French a large, meaning 'at will' or 'widely'; functions as an adverbial phrase modifying 'ambassador')
4. Stress Identification:
The primary stress falls on the third syllable: am-bas-sa-dor-at-large. Secondary stress is on 'large'.
5. Phonetic Transcription:
/æmˈbæsədər æt lɑːrdʒ/
6. Syllable Breakdown & Rule Application:
- am: /æm/ - Open syllable. Rule: Syllables generally end in a vowel sound. No consonant clusters prevent division here.
- bas: /bæs/ - Open syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by a consonant.
- sa: /sə/ - Open syllable. Rule: Vowel preceded by a consonant.
- dor: /dɔː/ - Open syllable. Rule: Vowel preceded by a consonant.
- at: /æt/ - Open syllable. Rule: Vowel preceded by a consonant.
- large: /lɑːrdʒ/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by a consonant cluster.
7. Exceptions/Special Cases:
The hyphenated nature of "ambassador-at-large" presents a slight complication. While treated as a single compound word, the 'at-large' portion functions almost as a post-nominal phrase. The stress pattern is somewhat unusual, with secondary stress on 'large' despite it being part of a larger phrase.
8. Grammatical Role & Syllabification:
The word functions primarily as a noun. Syllabification remains consistent regardless of grammatical function.
9. Definition & Semantics:
- Part of Speech: Noun
- Definitions:
- "An official representative of a country who is not permanently stationed in a foreign capital."
- "A diplomat sent on a special mission."
- Translation: N/A (English)
- Synonyms: envoy, special envoy, emissary
- Antonyms: resident ambassador
- Examples: "The president dispatched an ambassador-at-large to negotiate the treaty."
10. Regional Variations:
Pronunciation of /ɑː/ vs. /æ/ in 'large' can vary regionally. Syllable division remains consistent.
11. Phonological Comparison:
- administrator: ad-mi-nis-tra-tor - Similar syllable structure, stress on the third syllable.
- calculator: cal-cu-la-tor - Similar syllable structure, stress on the third syllable.
- communicator: co-mmu-ni-ca-tor - Similar syllable structure, stress on the third syllable.
The consistent stress pattern in these words (stress on the third syllable) suggests a common pattern for words with this syllable count and structure in English. The presence of schwa sounds (/ə/) in unstressed syllables is also consistent across these examples.
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What is hyphenation
Hyphenation is the process of dividing words across lines in print or on websites. It involves inserting hyphens (-) where a word breaks to continue on the next line.
Proper hyphenation improves readability by reducing the unevenness of word spacing and unnecessary large gaps. It also helps avoid confusion that may occur when part of a word carries over. Ideal hyphenation should break words according to pronunciation and syllables. Most word processors and publishing apps have automated tools to handle hyphenation effectively based on language rules and dictionaries. Though subtle, proper hyphenation improves overall typography and reading comfort.