Hyphenation ofself-explanatory

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

1. Pronunciation & Initial Examination:

The word "self-explanatory" is a compound adjective formed from "self" and "explanatory". In GB English, it's pronounced with relatively even stress across several syllables, though a slight emphasis falls on the third syllable.

2. Syllable Division:

Following English syllable division rules, the word breaks down as follows (using only original letters):

self-ex-plan-a-tor-y

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: self- (Old English) - reflexive pronoun functioning as a prefix indicating the subject is also the object of the action.
• Root: explain (Latin explanare - to unfold, to make clear) - the core meaning of making something understandable.
• Suffix: -atory (Latin -atorius - relating to, capable of) - forms an adjective indicating capability or function.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the syllable "-plan-". A secondary stress is present on "-self-".

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˌselfɪkˈsplænətəri/

6. Edge Case Review:

The compound nature of the word presents a slight complexity. While generally following vowel-based syllable division, the "ex-" prefix can sometimes be treated as a single unit, but separating it maintains clarity.

7. Grammatical Role:

"Self-explanatory" functions primarily as an adjective. Syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of its use in a sentence.

8. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: Easily understood; needing no further explanation.
• Grammatical Category: Adjective
• Synonyms: obvious, clear, straightforward, unambiguous
• Antonyms: obscure, complicated, ambiguous, confusing
• Examples: "The instructions were self-explanatory." "It was a self-explanatory situation."

9. Phonological Comparison:

• "understandable": un-der-stand-a-ble. Similar structure with a prefix, root, and suffix. Stress falls on "-stand-", mirroring the "-plan-" stress in "self-explanatory".
• "unforgettable": un-for-get-ta-ble. Again, a prefix, root, and suffix structure. Stress on "-get-", similar to the pattern.
• "imaginative": im-ag-in-a-tive. Prefix, root, and suffix. Stress on "-ag-", demonstrating the tendency for stress to fall on the second syllable of the root.

Detailed Syllable Breakdown & Rules:

Exceptions/Special Cases (Word-Level):

The compound nature of the word requires careful consideration of morpheme boundaries. However, the syllabification rules apply consistently across the word.

Division Rules Applied:

1. Vowel-C Rule: Syllables are divided before a consonant following a vowel.
2. Vowel Rule: Single vowel sounds form a syllable.
3. Vowel-CVC Rule: Syllables are typically divided around vowels, even within CVC structures.

Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

Some speakers might slightly reduce the vowel in the first syllable ("self") to a schwa, but this doesn't significantly alter the syllabification.

Short Analysis:

"Self-explanatory" is a compound adjective syllabified as self-ex-plan-a-tor-y, with primary stress on "-plan-". It's composed of the prefix "self-", the root "explain", and the suffix "-atory". Syllable division follows standard English vowel-based rules.