counterintuitive
Syllables
coun-ter-in-tu-i-tive
Pronunciation
/ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtjuːɪtɪv/
Stress
0 1 0 0 0 1
Morphemes
counter- + intuition + -ive
Counterintuitive is a six-syllable adjective with primary stress on the penultimate syllable. It's formed from the prefix 'counter-', the root 'intuition', and the suffix '-ive'. Syllable division follows vowel-consonant and prefix/suffix rules, resulting in the breakdown: coun-ter-in-tu-i-tive.
Definitions
- 1
Contrary to what intuition or common sense would suggest.
“His behavior was completely counterintuitive.”
“The results of the experiment were counterintuitive.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the second-to-last syllable (/ˈtjuːɪtɪv/), and secondary stress on the first syllable (/kaʊn/). The remaining syllables are unstressed.
Syllables
coun — Open syllable, vowel followed by consonant.. ter — Closed syllable, consonant-vowel-consonant.. in — Closed syllable, consonant-vowel-consonant.. tu — Open syllable, semi-vowel following a consonant and vowel.. i — Open syllable, single vowel.. tive — Closed syllable, consonant-vowel-consonant.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel-Consonant Rule
Syllables are often divided after a vowel sound.
Consonant Cluster Rule
Consonant clusters are generally kept together within a syllable.
Prefix/Suffix Rule
Prefixes and suffixes often form separate syllables.
- Variations in pronunciation can lead to subtle differences in perceived syllable boundaries.
- The 'tu' syllable may be reduced by some speakers.
Nearby Words
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