counterintelligence
Syllables
coun-ter-in-tel-li-gence
Pronunciation
/ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/
Stress
0 1 0 0 0 1
Morphemes
counter- + intel- + -ligence
Counterintelligence is a six-syllable noun (coun-ter-in-tel-li-gence) with primary stress on 'tel'. It's morphologically complex, built from the 'counter-' prefix, 'intel-' root, and '-ligence' suffix. Syllable division follows standard English vowel-consonant patterns.
Definitions
- 1
Activities devoted to defeating the intelligence operations of a hostile foreign power or of its agents.
“The agency is heavily involved in counterintelligence work.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the penultimate syllable ('tel'), and secondary stress on the first syllable ('coun').
Syllables
coun — Open syllable, stressed. ter — Closed syllable. in — Closed syllable. tel — Closed syllable. li — Open syllable. gence — Closed syllable
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel-Consonant (VC) Division
Syllables are often divided after a vowel when followed by a consonant.
Consonant-Vowel (CV) Division
Syllables are often divided before a vowel when preceded by a consonant.
Consonant Cluster Division
When consonant clusters occur, division occurs to maintain phonotactic constraints.
- The soft 'g' in 'gence' is a common phonetic feature but doesn't affect syllable division.
- The presence of the 'counter-' prefix requires careful consideration, but the vowel sound in 'counter' clearly separates it into two syllables.
Nearby Words
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