quasisuperficially
Syllables
qua-si-su-per-fi-cial-ly
Pronunciation
/ˈkweɪziːˌsʊpə(r)ˈfɪʃəli/
Stress
010101
Morphemes
quasi- + superficies + -ally
The word 'quasi-superficially' is an adverb formed from Latin and English morphemes. It is divided into seven syllables: qua-si-su-per-fi-cial-ly, with primary stress on 'fi-cial'. The syllable division follows standard English rules of onset maximization and vowel break, accounting for potential non-rhoticity in GB English.
Definitions
- 1
In a way that is apparent or obvious but not deep or thorough; on the surface.
“He was only interested in the matter quasi-superficially.”
“The report dealt with the issue quasi-superficially, failing to address the underlying causes.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the penultimate syllable ('fi-cial'). The first syllable ('qua-si') also receives some stress, but is secondary to 'fi-cial'.
Syllables
qua-si — Open syllable, stressed. Contains a diphthong.. su-per — Open syllable, unstressed. The /r/ is often elided in GB English.. fi-cial — Closed syllable, unstressed. Contains a schwa.. ly — Closed syllable, unstressed. Forms the adverbial suffix.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Onset Maximization
Consonant clusters are kept together at the beginning of syllables (e.g., 'sp-' in 'superficially').
Vowel Break
Each vowel sound generally forms the nucleus of a syllable.
Avoidance of Stranded Consonants
Consonants are not left at the end of a syllable without a vowel sound.
- The /r/ after the vowel in 'super-' is often non-rhotic in GB English and may be elided.
- The vowel clusters are broken based on sonority and articulatory ease.
Nearby Words
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