relativesinlaw
The word 'relatives-in-law' is divided into five syllables: re-la-tives-in-law. The primary stress falls on 'tives'. It's a noun derived from Latin 'relativus' and Old English 'ġelāw', representing familial connections through marriage. Syllabification follows the vowel nucleus rule and considers the compound nature of 'in-law'.
Definitions
- 1
People connected to one's spouse or partner by blood or marriage.
“We enjoyed a lovely Christmas with our relatives-in-law.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third syllable, 'tives' (/ˈtɪvz/). The remaining syllables are unstressed.
Syllables
re — Open syllable, vowel sound as nucleus.. la — Open syllable, vowel sound as nucleus.. tives — Closed syllable, consonant cluster at the end.. in — Closed syllable, vowel sound as nucleus.. law — Open syllable, vowel sound as nucleus.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel Nucleus Rule
Each syllable contains a vowel sound, which serves as its nucleus.
Consonant Cluster Rule
Consonant clusters following a vowel sound typically form a syllable.
Compound Word Rule
Hyphenated compound elements like 'in-law' are treated as a single unit for syllabification.
- The hyphenated structure of 'in-law' requires treating it as a single unit. Potential vowel reduction in 'relatives' to a schwa /ə/ does not alter syllabification.
Nearby Words
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