counterattractive
Syllables
coun-ter-at-trac-tive
Pronunciation
/ˌkaʊntəræˈtræktɪv/
Stress
01001
Morphemes
counter- + tract + -ive
The word 'counterattractive' is divided into five syllables: coun-ter-at-trac-tive. It features a Latin-derived prefix 'counter-', root 'tract', and suffix '-ive'. The primary stress falls on the penultimate syllable. Syllabification follows onset maximization and vowel nucleus rules.
Definitions
- 1
Not appealing or attractive; having the opposite effect of attraction.
“The politician's counterattractive policies alienated many voters.”
“His personality was surprisingly counterattractive.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the penultimate syllable ('trac'). The first syllable is unstressed.
Syllables
coun — Open syllable, vowel followed by consonant(s).. ter — Closed syllable, consonant cluster followed by a vowel.. at — Open syllable, vowel followed by consonant.. trac — Closed syllable, consonant cluster followed by a vowel and consonant.. tive — Closed syllable, consonant followed by a vowel and consonant.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Onset Maximization
Attempt to include as many consonants as possible in the onset of a syllable.
Vowel Nucleus
Every syllable must have a vowel nucleus.
Closed vs. Open Syllables
Syllables ending in a consonant are closed; those ending in a vowel are open.
- The initial 'coun-' syllable's diphthong 'ou' could be analyzed differently by some phonologists.
- The word's length and complexity require careful consideration of onset maximization.
Nearby Words
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