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Hyphenation ofself-complacence

Syllable Division & Pronunciation

Syllable Division:

self-com-pla-cence

Phonetic Transcription:(how the word sounds using IPA symbols)

/self kəmˈpleɪsns/

Stress Pattern:(which syllables are emphasized when speaking)

0010

Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('pla'). The first two ('self', 'com') and the last ('cence') are unstressed.

Detailed Syllable Breakdown

Syllables are the building blocks of words - each one typically contains a vowel sound

self/self/

Open syllable, vowel followed by consonant.

com/kəm/

Open syllable, vowel followed by consonant.

pla/pleɪ/

Open syllable, diphthong followed by consonant.

cence/sns/

Closed syllable, consonant cluster at the end.

Morphemic Breakdown

Morphemes are the smallest meaningful parts of words: prefixes (beginning), roots (core meaning), and suffixes (ending)

self(prefix)
+
plac(root)
+
ence(suffix)

Prefix: self

Old English, reflexive pronoun functioning as a prefix.

Root: plac

Latin *placere* - to please.

Suffix: ence

Latin *-entia*, noun-forming suffix.

Meanings & Definitions
noun(grammatical role in sentences)

A state of smug or excessive satisfaction with oneself.

Examples:

"His self-complacence was irritating to everyone around him."

"She was blinded by self-complacence and failed to see the dangers ahead."

Similar Words Comparison

Words with similar syllable patterns or pronunciation features

confidencecon-fi-dence

Similar syllable structure and the presence of the '-ence' suffix.

intelligencein-tel-li-gence

Shares the '-ence' suffix, demonstrating consistent syllabification.

persistenceper-sis-tence

Shares the '-ence' suffix, demonstrating consistent syllabification.

Syllable Division Rules

The linguistic principles used to determine where syllables begin and end

V-C Syllable Division

Vowels generally initiate a syllable, and consonants following them are grouped until a vowel is encountered.

Consonant Cluster Rule

Consonant clusters are typically maintained within a single syllable, unless a vowel intervenes.

Special Considerations

Important exceptions or unusual features in this word's pronunciation or structure

The prefix 'self-' is often treated as a single morpheme and syllable.

The 'com-' interfix is a common feature in English and doesn't pose a syllabification challenge.

Analysis Summary

Summary:

The word 'self-complacence' is divided into four syllables: self-com-pla-cence. The primary stress falls on the third syllable ('pla'). It consists of the prefix 'self-', the root 'plac-', and the suffix '-ence'. Syllabification follows standard V-C and consonant cluster rules.

Detailed Analysis:

Linguistic Analysis of "self-complacence" (English (GB))

1. Pronunciation: The word is pronounced /self kəmˈpleɪsns/ in General British English.

2. Syllable Division: self-com-pla-cence

3. Morphemic Analysis:

  • Prefix: self- (Old English) - reflexive pronoun functioning as a prefix indicating the action is performed by the subject.
  • Root: plac- (Latin placere - to please) - denoting a state of being pleased or satisfied.
  • Suffix: -ence (Latin -entia) - noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality.
  • Interfix: com- (Latin com- - with, together) - often used to intensify or modify the root.

4. Stress Identification: The primary stress falls on the third syllable: com-pla-cence.

5. Phonetic Transcription: /self kəmˈpleɪsns/

6. Edge Case Review: The combination of 'pl' is a common initial consonant cluster in English, and doesn't present a syllabification issue. The 'nce' ending is a frequent occurrence and generally forms a single syllable.

7. Grammatical Role: "Self-complacence" functions solely as a noun. There are no shifts in syllabification or stress based on grammatical function.

8. Definition & Semantics:

  • Definition: A state of smug or excessive satisfaction with oneself.
  • Grammatical Category: Noun
  • Synonyms: self-satisfaction, smugness, conceit, self-regard
  • Antonyms: humility, modesty, self-effacement
  • Examples: "His self-complacence was irritating to everyone around him." "She was blinded by self-complacence and failed to see the dangers ahead."

9. Phonological Comparison:

  • Confidence: con-fi-dence - Similar syllable structure, stress on the second syllable. The 'fi' digraph behaves similarly to 'pl' in "self-complacence".
  • Intelligence: in-tel-li-gence - Four syllables, stress on the second. The '-ence' suffix is shared, forming a similar final syllable.
  • Persistence: per-sis-tence - Three syllables, stress on the second. Shares the '-ence' suffix, demonstrating consistent syllabification.

10. Syllable Analysis Breakdown:

  • self: /self/ - Open syllable, containing a vowel sound followed by consonant sounds. Rule applied: V-C syllable division. No exceptions.
  • com: /kəm/ - Open syllable, vowel followed by consonant. Rule applied: V-C syllable division. No exceptions.
  • pla: /pleɪ/ - Open syllable, diphthong followed by consonant. Rule applied: V-C syllable division. No exceptions.
  • cence: /sns/ - Closed syllable, consonant cluster at the end. Rule applied: Consonant cluster remains within the syllable. Potential exception: some speakers might slightly reduce the vowel sound, but it remains a distinct syllable.

11. Division Rules Applied:

  • V-C Syllable Division: Vowels generally initiate a syllable, and consonants following them are grouped until a vowel is encountered.
  • Consonant Cluster Rule: Consonant clusters are typically maintained within a single syllable, unless a vowel intervenes.

12. Special Considerations: The prefix "self-" is often treated as a single morpheme and syllable, even though it contains a vowel and consonant. The 'com-' interfix is also a common feature in English and doesn't pose a syllabification challenge.

13. Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations: While the provided IPA transcription represents General British English, some regional variations might exist in vowel pronunciation, but these would not significantly alter the syllable division.

Analysis generated by gemma3:27b on 6/10/2025

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