expressionlessly
The word 'expressionlessly' is divided into five syllables: ex-pres-sion-less-ly. The primary stress falls on the third syllable ('sion'). The word is morphologically complex, consisting of a prefix, root, and three suffixes. Syllable division follows standard English rules based on onset-rime structure and sonorant consonant division.
Definitions
- 1
In a manner lacking expression; without showing feelings or thoughts.
“He stared expressionlessly at the painting.”
“She replied expressionlessly to his question.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('sion'). The stress pattern is typical for adverbs formed with the '-ly' suffix.
Syllables
ex — Open syllable, onset consonant /ɪ/, rime /k/. pres — Closed syllable, consonant blend onset /pr/, rime /ɛs/. sion — Syllable with syllabic consonant /n/, onset /ʃ/. less — Closed syllable, onset /l/, rime /ɪs/. ly — Closed syllable, onset /l/, rime /i/
Word Parts
Similar Words
Onset-Rime Structure
Syllables are divided based on the onset (initial consonant sound(s)) and rime (vowel and any following consonants).
Sonorant Consonant Rule
Syllable division occurs before a sonorant consonant (e.g., /n/, /l/, /m/, /r/) when it follows a vowel.
- The syllabic /n/ in 'sion' requires careful consideration during syllable division.
- Regional variations in vowel pronunciation may occur, but do not significantly alter the syllabification.
Nearby Words
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