lighthandedness
The word 'light-handedness' is divided into four syllables: light-hand-ed-ness. Primary stress falls on 'hand'. It's a noun formed from the adverb 'light', the root 'hand', and the suffix '-edness'. Syllable division follows the onset-rime principle. The compound structure influences stress.
Definitions
- 1
The quality or state of dealing with something gently or carefully; a lack of severity or harshness.
“He approached the delicate situation with light-handedness.”
“Her light-handedness in negotiations helped to reach a peaceful resolution.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the second syllable ('hand'). The first and last syllables are unstressed.
Syllables
light — Open syllable, ending in a diphthong.. hand — Closed syllable, ending in a consonant, primary stress.. ed — Closed syllable, ending in a consonant.. ness — Closed syllable, ending in a sonorant.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Onset-Rime Division
Separates syllables based on the consonant onset and the vowel-containing rime.
- The 't' in 'light' may be realized as a glottal stop in some GB accents.
- The pronunciation of the 'ed' suffix can vary (/t/, /d/, or /ɪd/).
- The compound adjective 'light-handed' influences stress placement.
Nearby Words
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