hypercorrectness
Syllables
hy-per-cor-rect-ness
Pronunciation
/ˌhaɪpəˈkɒrɪktnəs/
Stress
00100
Morphemes
hyper- + correct + -ness
The word 'hypercorrectness' is divided into five syllables: hy-per-cor-rect-ness. It consists of the prefix 'hyper-', the root 'correct', and the suffix '-ness'. The primary stress falls on the third syllable ('rect'). Syllable division follows VCV and CVC patterns, with consideration for the /ktr/ consonant cluster and schwa reduction.
Definitions
- 1
The use of a grammatically correct form in a situation where a simpler or more common form would be more appropriate, often in an attempt to be overly precise or to avoid perceived errors.
“His hypercorrectness in using 'whom' instead of 'who' sounded stilted and unnatural.”
“The speaker's hypercorrectness alienated the audience.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('rect'). The first and last syllables are unstressed.
Syllables
hy — Open syllable, diphthong.. per — Open syllable, schwa vowel.. cor — Closed syllable.. rect — Closed syllable, consonant cluster.. ness — Open syllable, schwa vowel.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel-Consonant-Vowel (VCV)
Syllables are often divided between vowels in a VCV sequence.
Consonant-Vowel-Consonant (CVC)
Syllables are often divided before and after consonants surrounded by vowels.
- The complex consonant cluster /ktr/ requires careful articulation.
- Schwa reduction is common in unstressed syllables.
- Potential slight vowel reduction in 'hyper' in some dialects.
Nearby Words
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