Hyphenation ofre-embarrassment

Linguistic Analysis of "re-embarrassment" (English (GB))

1. Pronunciation: In British English, "re-embarrassment" is typically pronounced with a relatively even stress distribution, though the final syllable receives a slight emphasis. The 'r' sounds are generally non-rhotic, meaning they are not pronounced after vowels unless followed by another vowel.

2. Syllable Division: re-em-bar-rass-ment

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: re- (Latin, meaning "again, back") - Prefixes modify the meaning of the root.
• Root: embarrass (Old French embarrasser meaning "to obstruct, hinder") - The core meaning-bearing unit.
• Suffix: -ment (French, forming nouns from verbs) - Indicates a state, action, or result.

4. Stress Identification: The primary stress falls on the third syllable: em-bar-rass-ment. Secondary stress may be present on the first syllable: re-em-bar-rass-ment.

5. Phonetic Transcription: /riːɪmˈbærəsmənt/

6. Edge Case Review: The sequence "rr" can sometimes cause difficulty in syllabification, but in this case, it falls within a single syllable ("bar"). The vowel reduction in unstressed syllables is a common feature of English pronunciation.

7. Grammatical Role: "Re-embarrassment" functions primarily as a noun. While theoretically, one could attempt to use it adjectivally (e.g., "a re-embarrassment situation"), this is rare and would not significantly alter the syllabification or stress pattern.

8. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: The feeling of being embarrassed again, or the act of causing someone to feel embarrassed again.
• Grammatical Category: Noun
• Synonyms: renewed embarrassment, second embarrassment
• Antonyms: relief, composure
• Examples: "His apology did little to alleviate the re-embarrassment caused by his earlier mistake."

9. Phonological Comparison:

• Disappointment: dis-ap-point-ment - Similar suffix structure (-ment). Stress falls on the second syllable.
• Agreement: a-gree-ment - Similar suffix structure (-ment). Stress falls on the second syllable.
• Replacement: re-place-ment - Shares the 're-' prefix and '-ment' suffix. Stress falls on the second syllable.

The key difference in "re-embarrassment" is the compound structure of the root ("embarrass") and the resulting shift in stress to the third syllable. The other words have simpler root structures.

Detailed Syllable Analysis:

• re-: /riː/ - Open syllable. Rule: Syllables are formed around vowel sounds. Exception: The 'r' is often silent in GB English unless followed by a vowel.
• em-: /ɪm/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant clusters following a vowel typically form a closed syllable.
• bar-: /bær/ - Open syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant(s) can form an open syllable.
• rass-: /ræs/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant cluster ending the syllable.
• ment: /mənt/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant cluster ending the syllable.

Division Rules Applied:

1. Vowel Nucleus Rule: Each syllable must contain a vowel sound.
2. Onset-Rime Rule: Syllables are divided into an onset (initial consonant(s)) and a rime (vowel and following consonants).
3. Consonant Cluster Rule: Consonant clusters are generally maintained within a syllable unless they can be naturally divided based on pronunciation.

Special Considerations:

• The pronunciation of the 'r' sound in British English is a key consideration.
• The compound nature of the root "embarrass" influences the stress pattern.
• Vowel reduction in unstressed syllables is a common feature.

Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

American English tends to pronounce the 'r' sounds more consistently, which might slightly alter the perceived syllable boundaries. However, the core syllabification remains the same.