overthecounter
The word 'over-the-counter' is divided into five syllables: o-ver-the-coun-ter. It consists of the prefix 'over-', the root 'counter', and the particle 'the'. Primary stress falls on the 'coun' syllable. The syllabification follows standard vowel-consonant division rules and considers the compound nature of the word.
Definitions
- 1
Available without a prescription from a doctor.
“You can buy pain relievers over-the-counter.”
“The pharmacy sells a wide range of over-the-counter medications.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress on the third syllable ('coun'), secondary stress on the first syllable ('o').
Syllables
o — Open syllable, initial syllable, receives stress.. ver — Closed syllable, vowel followed by consonant cluster.. the — Open syllable, functions as a particle.. coun — Closed syllable, receives primary stress.. ter — Closed syllable, vowel followed by consonant.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel-Consonant Division
Syllables are typically divided after a vowel followed by a consonant.
Compound Word Syllabification
Compound words are divided based on the constituent morphemes.
- The particle 'the' influences the stress pattern.
- Regional variations in vowel quality may occur but do not affect syllable division.
Nearby Words
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