downtoearthness
The word 'down-to-earthness' is divided into four syllables: down-to-earth-ness. The primary stress falls on 'earth'. It's a noun formed from the prefix 'down-', the root 'earth', and the suffix '-to-ness'. Syllabification follows the onset-rime principle and vowel-consonant division rules.
Definitions
- 1
Having a practical and realistic attitude; sensible.
“Her down-to-earthness was refreshing.”
“He's a very down-to-earth person.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('earth'). The first two syllables ('down' and 'to') are unstressed, and the final syllable ('ness') is also unstressed.
Syllables
down — Open syllable, diphthong vowel.. to — Open syllable, schwa vowel, unstressed.. earth — Closed syllable, primary stress.. ness — Closed syllable, schwa vowel, suffix.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Onset-Rime Principle
Syllables are formed around a vowel nucleus with preceding and following consonants.
Vowel-Consonant Division
Syllables are typically divided between vowels and consonants.
- The unstressed 'to' can be elided in rapid speech.
- Regional variations in vowel pronunciation may occur.
Nearby Words
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