Hyphenation ofnimble-feathered
Syllable Division:
nim-ble-feath-ered
Phonetic Transcription:(how the word sounds using IPA symbols)
/ˈnɪmbəl ˈfeðəd/
Stress Pattern:(which syllables are emphasized when speaking)
100 100
Primary stress falls on the first syllable of each component word ('nim' and 'feath').
Syllables are the building blocks of words - each one typically contains a vowel sound
Open syllable, vowel followed by a consonant.
Closed syllable, vowel followed by a consonant cluster.
Open syllable, vowel followed by a consonant.
Closed syllable, vowel followed by a consonant cluster.
Morphemes are the smallest meaningful parts of words: prefixes (beginning), roots (core meaning), and suffixes (ending)
Prefix: nim
Old English *nimian* - to take, seize; intensifier meaning 'quick' or 'light'.
Root: ble
From Old English *blīþe* - lively, active, quick; remnant of a fuller root.
Suffix: feathered
Old English *feðer* - feather + *-ed* - past participle/adjectival suffix.
Words with similar syllable patterns or pronunciation features
Similar CVC-CVC syllable structure and stress pattern.
Similar compound structure with stress on the first syllable of each component.
Similar compound structure with stress on the first syllable of each component.
The linguistic principles used to determine where syllables begin and end
Open Syllable
A syllable ending in a vowel sound is considered open (e.g., 'nim', 'feath').
Closed Syllable
A syllable ending in a consonant sound is considered closed (e.g., 'ble', 'ered').
Important exceptions or unusual features in this word's pronunciation or structure
The hyphenated nature of the word requires treating each component separately for syllabification.
Regional variations in vowel quality might exist but do not alter the syllable division.
Summary:
The word 'nimble-feathered' is a compound adjective divided into four syllables: nim-ble-feath-ered. It follows standard English syllabification rules based on vowel-consonant patterns, with primary stress on the first syllable of each component. The morphemic breakdown reveals Old English origins for each part of the word.
Detailed Analysis:
Linguistic Analysis of "nimble-feathered" (English (GB))
1. Pronunciation:
The word "nimble-feathered" is pronounced as /ˈnɪmbəl ˈfeðəd/ in General British English.
2. Syllable Division:
The syllable division, adhering to the rule of using only the original letters, is: nim-ble-feath-ered
3. Morphemic Analysis:
- Prefix: nim- (Old English nimian - to take, seize; functions as an intensifier, meaning 'quick' or 'light').
- Root: ble (from Old English blīþe - lively, active, quick). This is a remnant of a fuller root, now functioning as part of the adjective.
- Suffix: -feathered (Old English feðer - feather + -ed - past participle/adjectival suffix). This suffix creates an adjective meaning "having feathers" or "resembling feathers" in terms of lightness or agility.
4. Stress Identification:
The primary stress falls on the first syllable of each compound word: /ˈnɪm.bəl ˈfeð.əd/.
5. Phonetic Transcription:
/ˈnɪmbəl ˈfeðəd/
6. Syllable Breakdown & Rule Application:
- nim-: /ˈnɪm/ - Open syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by a consonant. No exceptions.
- ble-: /ˈbəl/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by a consonant cluster. No exceptions.
- feath-: /ˈfeθ/ - Open syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by a consonant. No exceptions.
- ered-: /ˈeðəd/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by a consonant cluster. No exceptions.
7. Edge Case Review:
The hyphenated nature of the word presents a slight edge case. While treated as a single compound adjective, the syllable division within each component follows standard English syllabification rules.
8. Grammatical Role:
"Nimble-feathered" functions primarily as an adjective. Syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of its use in a sentence.
9. Definition & Semantics:
- Definition: (adjective) Light and quick in movement; agile. Resembling feathers in lightness or delicacy.
- Grammatical Category: Adjective
- Synonyms: agile, lithe, quick, fleet-footed
- Antonyms: clumsy, awkward, heavy, sluggish
- Examples: "The nimble-feathered birds flitted through the trees." "She moved with a nimble-feathered grace."
10. Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:
While the provided transcription is standard for General British English, some regional variations might exist in vowel quality (e.g., a more open /æ/ in "nimble" in some dialects). These variations would not significantly alter the syllable division.
11. Phonological Comparison:
- table-lamp: tab-le-lamp - Similar syllable structure (CVC-CVC). Stress pattern is also parallel.
- sun-flower: sun-flow-er - Similar compound structure. Stress on the first syllable of each component.
- blue-bird: blue-bird - Similar syllable structure (CV-CVC). Stress pattern is also parallel.
The consistency in syllable division across these words demonstrates the application of standard English syllabification rules based on vowel-consonant patterns. The hyphenated structure in "nimble-feathered" doesn't deviate from these rules within each component.
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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.