counterattacking
Syllables
coun-ter-at-tack-ing
Pronunciation
/ˌkaʊntəræˈtækɪŋ/
Stress
01011
Morphemes
counter + attack + ing
The word 'counterattacking' is divided into five syllables: coun-ter-at-tack-ing. It consists of the prefix 'counter-', the root 'attack', and the suffix '-ing'. Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('tack'). Syllable division follows vowel-consonant and consonant cluster rules, typical of British English pronunciation.
Definitions
- 1
Engaging in an attack in response to a previous attack.
“The team was counterattacking with renewed vigor.”
“His counterattacking strategy proved effective.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('tack'). Secondary stress on the first syllable ('coun'). The remaining syllables are unstressed.
Syllables
coun — Open syllable, initial syllable, contains a diphthong.. ter — Closed syllable, contains a schwa and rhotic 'r' sound.. at — Open syllable, short 'a' vowel.. tack — Closed syllable, primary stress, short 'a' vowel.. ing — Closed syllable, final syllable, nasal consonant cluster.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel-Consonant Rule
Syllables are often divided after a vowel followed by a consonant.
Consonant Cluster Rule
Consonant clusters are generally kept together within a syllable.
Stress-Timing Rule
English is a stress-timed language, meaning syllables are adjusted in duration to accommodate stressed syllables.
- The 'r' in 'counter' can sometimes be elided in rapid speech.
- Vowel reduction in unstressed syllables is common.
Nearby Words
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