Hyphenation ofincomprehensibly
Syllable Division:
in-com-pre-hen-si-bly
Phonetic Transcription:(how the word sounds using IPA symbols)
/ˌɪnkɒmprɪˈhensɪbli/
Stress Pattern:(which syllables are emphasized when speaking)
000100
Primary stress falls on the fourth syllable ('hen'). The first, second, third, fifth and sixth syllables are unstressed.
Syllables are the building blocks of words - each one typically contains a vowel sound
Open syllable, initial syllable.
Closed syllable, vowel followed by consonant cluster.
Closed syllable, vowel followed by consonant cluster.
Closed syllable, vowel followed by consonant cluster.
Closed syllable, vowel followed by consonant.
Closed syllable, vowel followed by consonant cluster.
Morphemes are the smallest meaningful parts of words: prefixes (beginning), roots (core meaning), and suffixes (ending)
Prefix: in-
Latin origin, negation.
Root: comprehend
Latin origin, to grasp entirely.
Suffix: -en-sibly
Latin/French origin, forms an adverb.
In a manner that is impossible to understand.
Examples:
"The lecture was so complex that it was delivered incomprehensibly."
Words with similar syllable patterns or pronunciation features
Similar structure with prefix, root, and adverbial suffix.
Similar structure, prefix, root, and suffix.
Shares the '-sibly' suffix and demonstrates a similar syllabic pattern.
The linguistic principles used to determine where syllables begin and end
Vowel-Consonant Division
Syllables are often divided after a vowel sound followed by a consonant sound.
Consonant Cluster Division
When a vowel is followed by a consonant cluster, the syllable break occurs before the cluster.
Initial Syllable Rule
The first syllable is often determined by the initial vowel sound.
Important exceptions or unusual features in this word's pronunciation or structure
Vowel reduction in unstressed syllables.
The '-en-' linking vowel does not create a separate syllable.
Summary:
The word 'incomprehensibly' is divided into six syllables: in-com-pre-hen-si-bly. It consists of the prefix 'in-', the root 'comprehend', and the suffix '-en-sibly'. The primary stress falls on the fourth syllable ('hen'). Syllable division follows vowel-consonant and consonant cluster rules.
Detailed Analysis:
Linguistic Analysis of "incomprehensibly" (English (GB))
1. Pronunciation: The word "incomprehensibly" is pronounced /ˌɪnkɒmprɪˈhensɪbli/ in General British English.
2. Syllable Division: in-com-pre-hen-si-bly
3. Morphemic Analysis:
- Prefix: in- (Latin, meaning "not") - Negation.
- Root: comprehend (Latin comprehendere - to grasp entirely) - To understand.
- Suffix: -en- (Latin, linking vowel) - Connects the root to the following suffix.
- Suffix: -sibly (French/Latin - sibilis - capable of being) - Forms an adverb indicating manner.
4. Stress Identification: The primary stress falls on the fourth syllable: /ˌɪnkɒmprɪˈhensɪbli/.
5. Phonetic Transcription: /ˌɪnkɒmprɪˈhensɪbli/
6. Edge Case Review: The sequence "-hen-" can sometimes be a point of variation, but in this case, the established pronunciation dictates the division.
7. Grammatical Role: "Incomprehensibly" functions solely as an adverb. The syllabification remains consistent regardless of potential (though non-existent) alternative grammatical roles.
8. Definition & Semantics:
- Definition: In a manner that is impossible to understand.
- Grammatical Category: Adverb
- Synonyms: unintelligibly, unfathomably, inexplicably
- Antonyms: comprehensibly, understandably, clearly
- Example Usage: "The lecture was so complex that it was delivered incomprehensibly."
9. Phonological Comparison:
- Impossibly: im-pos-si-bly - Similar structure with a prefix, root, and adverbial suffix. Stress on the third syllable.
- Unbelievably: un-be-liev-a-bly - Similar structure, prefix, root, and suffix. Stress on the fourth syllable.
- Responsibility: re-spon-si-bil-i-ty - While a noun, it shares the "-sibly" suffix and demonstrates a similar syllabic pattern. Stress on the third syllable.
Syllable Breakdown Details:
- in-: /ɪn/ - Open syllable. Rule: Initial syllable, vowel followed by consonant. No exceptions.
- com-: /kɒm/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant cluster. No exceptions.
- pre-: /prɛ/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant cluster. No exceptions.
- hen-: /hɛn/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant cluster. No exceptions.
- si-: /sɪ/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant. No exceptions.
- bly-: /bli/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant cluster. No exceptions.
Exceptions/Special Cases:
- The vowel reduction in unstressed syllables is a common feature of English pronunciation, but doesn't affect the syllabification.
- The "-en-" linking vowel doesn't create a separate syllable.
Division Rules Applied:
- Vowel-Consonant Division: Syllables are often divided after a vowel sound followed by a consonant sound.
- Consonant Cluster Division: When a vowel is followed by a consonant cluster, the syllable break occurs before the cluster.
- Initial Syllable Rule: The first syllable is often determined by the initial vowel sound.
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What is hyphenation
Hyphenation is the process of dividing words across lines in print or on websites. It involves inserting hyphens (-) where a word breaks to continue on the next line.
Proper hyphenation improves readability by reducing the unevenness of word spacing and unnecessary large gaps. It also helps avoid confusion that may occur when part of a word carries over. Ideal hyphenation should break words according to pronunciation and syllables. Most word processors and publishing apps have automated tools to handle hyphenation effectively based on language rules and dictionaries. Though subtle, proper hyphenation improves overall typography and reading comfort.