Hyphenation ofprecontemplating
Syllable Division:
pre-con-tem-pla-ting
Phonetic Transcription:(how the word sounds using IPA symbols)
/ˌpriːkɒnˈtɛmpləteɪtɪŋ/
Stress Pattern:(which syllables are emphasized when speaking)
01000
Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('tem'). Secondary stress falls on the first syllable ('pre'). The remaining syllables are unstressed.
Syllables are the building blocks of words - each one typically contains a vowel sound
Open syllable, secondary stress.
Closed syllable, unstressed.
Closed syllable, primary stress.
Open syllable, unstressed.
Closed syllable, unstressed.
Morphemes are the smallest meaningful parts of words: prefixes (beginning), roots (core meaning), and suffixes (ending)
Prefix: pre-
Latin origin, meaning 'before'. Functions as a prefix indicating prior action.
Root: contemplate
Latin origin (contemplare), meaning 'to consider thoughtfully'. Root of the word.
Suffix: -ing
English suffix, forming the present participle or gerund.
Thinking about or planning something before doing it; considering something carefully.
Examples:
"She was precontemplating her next career move."
"He spent the afternoon precontemplating the risks involved."
Words with similar syllable patterns or pronunciation features
Similar structure with a prefix and -ing suffix. Demonstrates stress shift based on root length.
Similar structure with a prefix and -ing suffix. Demonstrates stress shift based on root length.
Similar structure with a prefix and -ing suffix. Demonstrates stress shift based on root length.
The linguistic principles used to determine where syllables begin and end
Vowel Rule
Each vowel sound generally forms a syllable.
Consonant Cluster Rule
Consonant clusters between vowels are typically split, but in this case, the 'mpl' cluster remains within the 'pla' syllable due to pronunciation.
Prefix/Suffix Rule
Prefixes and suffixes are generally separated into their own syllables.
Important exceptions or unusual features in this word's pronunciation or structure
The 'pre-' prefix often receives secondary stress.
The 'contemplat-' portion is a complex root that dictates the primary stress.
Regional accents may influence vowel quality but do not affect the core syllable structure.
Summary:
The word 'precontemplating' is divided into five syllables: pre-con-tem-pla-ting. It consists of the prefix 'pre-', the root 'contemplate', and the suffix '-ing'. Primary stress falls on 'tem', with secondary stress on 'pre'. The syllabification follows vowel and consonant cluster rules, with consideration for the morphemic structure of the word.
Detailed Analysis:
Linguistic Analysis of "precontemplating" (English (GB))
1. Pronunciation: The word "precontemplating" is pronounced /ˌpriːkɒnˈtɛmpləteɪtɪŋ/ in General British English.
2. Syllable Division: The syllable division, adhering to the rule of using only original letters, is: pre-con-tem-pla-ting.
3. Morphemic Analysis:
- Prefix: pre- (Latin, meaning "before") - functions to indicate something happening beforehand.
- Root: contemplate (Latin contemplare - com- (together) + tempus (time)) - meaning to look thoughtfully for a long time at.
- Suffix: -ing (English, gerund/present participle) - indicates ongoing action.
4. Stress Identification: The primary stress falls on the syllable "tem" (/ˌpriːkɒnˈtɛmpləteɪtɪŋ/). Secondary stress is present on the first syllable "pre".
5. Phonetic Transcription: /ˌpriːkɒnˈtɛmpləteɪtɪŋ/
6. Edge Case Review: The sequence of vowels in "contemplate" can sometimes lead to variations in pronunciation, but the syllabification remains consistent.
7. Grammatical Role: "Precontemplating" functions primarily as a verb (present participle/gerund). The syllabification and stress pattern remain consistent regardless of its grammatical function within a sentence.
8. Definition & Semantics:
- Definition: Thinking about or planning something before doing it; considering something carefully.
- Grammatical Category: Verb (present participle/gerund)
- Synonyms: considering, pondering, deliberating, musing
- Antonyms: acting, doing, deciding
- Examples: "She was precontemplating her next career move." "He spent the afternoon precontemplating the risks involved."
9. Phonological Comparison:
- Calculating: cal-cu-la-ting - Similar structure with a prefix and -ing suffix. Stress falls on the second syllable.
- Investigating: in-ves-ti-ga-ting - Similar structure with a prefix and -ing suffix. Stress falls on the third syllable.
- Communicating: com-mu-ni-ca-ting - Similar structure with a prefix and -ing suffix. Stress falls on the third syllable.
The difference in stress placement in "precontemplating" is due to the length and complexity of the root word ("contemplate") and the inherent stress patterns within that root. The prefix "pre-" also receives secondary stress, which is common with longer prefixes.
10. Division Rules:
- Vowel Rule: Each vowel sound generally forms a syllable.
- Consonant Cluster Rule: Consonant clusters between vowels are typically split, but in this case, the 'mpl' cluster remains within the 'pla' syllable due to pronunciation.
- Prefix/Suffix Rule: Prefixes and suffixes are generally separated into their own syllables.
11. Special Considerations: The 'pre-' prefix is often unstressed or receives secondary stress. The 'contemplat-' portion is a complex root that dictates the primary stress.
12. Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations: Some speakers might slightly reduce the vowel in "pre" to /prɪ/, but this doesn't affect the syllabification. Regional accents may also influence vowel quality, but the core syllable structure remains consistent.
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